ID Number

Title

Item Name

Culture

Material

Manufacturing Technique

Date Made

Maker

Place Made

Date Collected

Date Owned

Owner

Acquisition Date

Source

Source

Measurements

Condition

Current Location

Accession Number

Narrative

This gourd was used during ceremonial occasions and held fermented honey-beer.

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.