Bell Item Number: Aj118 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Large cow horn made into a goat bell. Dark brown flaring out to a white colour. Two holes at each side with a piece of leather through them. Choker is made of braided thick leather tied together strips with two flat pieces of leather tied together as a clasp. Inside, there are two carved pieces which are solid wood hanging on metal wire.
History Of Use
Cow bells are used by pastoral people for tracking or leading free-roaming cattle during the mobile seasons; bells can also be decorative. The bells are usually strapped around a cow's neck or are rung by herders. For the Maasai, cattle signal wealth and high social status; their blood and milk are also food staples.
Item History
- Made in Kenya before 1978
- Collected during 1978
- Owned by Marta Friesen before March 3, 1981
- Received from Marta Friesen (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on March 3, 1981
What
Who
- Culture
- Maasai ? or Turkana ?
- Previous Owner
- Marta Friesen
- Received from
- Marta Friesen (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Kenya
When
- Creation Date
- before 1978
- Collection Date
- during 1978
- Ownership Date
- before March 3, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on March 3, 1981
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0705/0017