Bow Item Number: Ac232 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Bow made from a cylindrical section of wood, arched and tapering to ends that are wrapped in hide thong. With the exception of an area at the centre that is flanked by some thong lashing, the rest of the length is covered by tightly coiled in wire covered with a blackened coating. The bow string, lashed over the hide at the ends, is three-ply cord made of twisted hide thongs.
History Of Use
Used for weapon in warfare and hunting, although guns were increasingly used in warfare. Hunting was often conducted by a hunting-class among the Chokwe; there was considerable social and religious prestige associated with hunting. Chokwe peoples conducted hunts communally, whether as a village or as a group of villages banded together as one group. Collective hunts, whether by the hunting-class or by a communal group, occurred during the spring and summer, when the grass was high. Collective hunters would divide into two groups: one would light grasslands aflame and drive animals downwind, the other would capture and kill the animals fleeing. Individual hunting was also a profession. A professional hunter, known as a chianga or nyanga, would often be a small farmer in the off season.
Cultural Context
Hunting
Narrative
The collector, Nellie Taylor, served as a nursing missionary (1900-1920), first with the Ovimbundu at Bihe, then with the Chokwe at luma Kasai. She belonged to a group who sponsored several missions across Central Africa from 1881-1931.
Item History
- Made in Luma Kasai, Angola before 1920
- Collected between 1900 and 1920
- Owned by Nellie Taylor
- Owned by Gladys G. Cameron before January 12, 1979
- Received from Gladys G. Cameron (Donor) on January 12, 1979
What
Who
- Culture
- Chokwe
- Previous Owner
- Nellie Taylor and Gladys G. Cameron
- Received from
- Gladys G. Cameron (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Luma Kasai, Angola
When
- Creation Date
- before 1920
- Collection Date
- between 1900 and 1920
- Ownership Date
- before January 12, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on January 12, 1979
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0509/0009