Container Item Number: Ca69 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

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

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

Who

Culture
Borana
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
0705/0011 a-b