Container
Item number Ca69 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
Public
RRN ID
Item Records
This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.
The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.
These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.
- Data
- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Large tightly coiled container (part a 28 x 20.7) that has a bulbous shape narrowing at the top and the bottom. Base is rounded, and mouth rim is tightly wrapped. Container is coiled in sixteen sections vertically placed. Cowrie shells are knotted on around the centre and vertically placed. Lid (part b) has two rows of cowrie shells, vertically placed. Top of the lid caves in. Lid fits on well.
History Of Use
'Gorfa' type container which would normally be encased in a 'seephani' holder consisting of leather straps. The straps would be used to secure the lid and to suspend the container. Normally used to hold fresh or curdled milk. Cowrie shells are a sign of wealth and a symbol of fertility to many people of Kenya. The inside of most vessels are charred black because the sterilizing process involves burning embers of special tree, usually resulting in smoky tasting contents. The charred inside also acts as a seal to make it water tight. Borana men and women make containers, men make wooden ones and married women make woven ones. Called 'xoda' if it has a recessed lid, 'chicho' if convex.
Cultural Context
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
- Name
- Container
- Identification Number
- Ca69 a-b
- Type of Item
- container
- Material
- grass, giraffe hair, cowrie shell and resin ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- coiled, knotted, sewn and braided
- Overall
- height 32.4 cm, diameter 20.9 cm
- Part A
- height 28.0 cm, diameter 20.9 cm
- Part B
- height 6.0 cm, diameter 9.0 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Kenya
Who
- Culture
- Borana
- Previous Owner
- Marta Friesen
- Received from
- Marta Friesen (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
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
- 0705/0011 a-b
Ask a question
Let the RRN community answer your questions
Public
With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account
Shared Knowledge
Share your knowlege of this item with the RRN community
Public
With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account
Similar Items
