Basket Item Number: Ad56 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A basketry container with a bulbous shape, woven from grass in a tight coiled weave. Has four vertical lines on cowrie shells, four on each line. Handle is grass tightly wrapped. Cap is coiled and connected by a wrapped cord.
History Of Use
Tobacco bottle carried around neck. Carvers, always male, are respected artisans who must always carve these bottles from a single piece of wood. Special rituals are associated with the carving tools and practice. Taboos are always observed. The beads on the bottles hold symbolic, religious significance, and carry a message or a proverb.
Cultural Context
carrying; storage
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
- East African
- 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
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0705/0026