Container Item Number: Aj113 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Large, heavy container of dark wood. Circular shape with three hoops of wood rounded on the outside: two lower on the bottom and one on the upper part under the lid area. Lid is leather with two loops at the side pierced and connected to a hoop with a strip of leather. Leather carrying strap is also connected to a wood hoop. Some red-brown hair is still on the hide.

History Of Use

Turkana fat container (akgitum) used by women for storing animal fat for domestic and cosmetic use; this is the standard shape and design of a container. Types of fat stored in the containers are: emunyen, butterfat (akidetet), ghee (akimet), and bone marrow (akimet a akoit). Emunyen (goat or cattle fat mixed with ochre) is used by women for decorative purposes, moisturizing, relieving chafing, and preventing body lice. Necklaces are also coated in it. Butterfat and ghee are used as a calorie-dense source of key nutrients and minerals. It could be stored for longer portions of time, and could be eaten on its own or used in preparation of other foods; bone marrow was particularly nutritious. Fat from butchered animals was also stored in these containers, and could be heated to be used as a cooking oil.

Cultural Context

storage; transportation

Specific Techniques

The wood used is likely from the species delonix elata, called ekuruchanait by the Turkana people. The skin composing the lid, bottom of the container, and handles of the container would have been harvested through the process of akiyeng, meaning "to skin with a knife". The skin was likely bound to the wood with the use of a thick needle used in leather working, called an emutu or ngimutun. Skin with fur still attached to it is known as elou or ngiloui. These skills are mostly known to women since they are the principal creators of containers.