Container Item Number: Ad51 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Long, narrow, gourd container incised with geometric designs and two human figures. Bottom has two plant motifs. Has a leather carrying strap connected to leather and is beaded with cowrie shells on the sewn side where it is tied to the gourd. Leather strap is connected to the lid and to the leather which goes half way up the container on both sides. Each side has four small holes where the leather ties go through to hold the strap.
History Of Use
Calabash type of gourd that grows in many shapes and sizes; purpose depends on natural shape of shell. Usually carved by men. Grown in home gardens. Carved by specialists, who use heated knife blade or smaller tool to scratch areas, then rub with dark soot to stain incised areas. Most patterns geometric motifs of plants animals, household objects and humans. Gourd turns darker with age and use. Usually a favourite one is considered for its form, decoration, age, patterns, and repairs. Peter Nzuki is an internationally acclaimed artist who has revived the old Kamba tradition of calabash carving. Mended gourds were prized even more.
Narrative
This gourd was used during ceremonial occasions and held fermented honey-beer.
Item History
- Made by Peter Nzuki (Maker) 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
- Ad51
- Type of Item
- container
- Material
- fibre, glass, cowrie shell, leather skin and calabash fruit
- Manufacturing Technique
- cut, hollowed, pierced, incised, sewn, tied and beaded
- Overall
- height 62.0 cm, diameter 13.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Kamba
- Creator
- Peter Nzuki (Maker)
- 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
- Current Location
- Case 100
- Accession Number
- 0705/0012