Bell Item Number: Aj150 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Cattle bell made from a small whole tortoise shell that has two wooden clappers attached with rawhide thongs through two holes in the upper shell. Twelve complete geometric shape blocks on the top shell with an entire bottom shell as well. Geometric shape blocks have orange-brown middles and are black on the outside with contour lines.
History Of Use
Used for tracking and herding goats and cattle. Bells are usually strapped around the animal's neck for tracking but can also be rung by herders to control herd movement. In addition to providing sustenance, cattle and goats can be used to produce cosmetics, cleansers, clothing etc. Cattle serves as a form of dowry, and they are owned and exchanged to achieve authority, status, and to influence political affairs. Authority in the Karamojong communities is mostly given to elders who have the most cattle.
Cultural Context
Herding
Item History
- Made in Uganda before 1952
- Collected during 1952
- Owned by Eleanore C. Treutle Stephens before December 1, 1986
- Received from Eleanore C. Treutle Stephens (Donor) on December 1, 1986
What
- Name
- Bell
- Identification Number
- Aj150
- Type of Item
- bell
- Material
- tortoise shell, wood and leather skin
- Manufacturing Technique
- boiled, hollowed, carved, pierced and tied
- Overall
- height 17.0 cm, width 9.5 cm, depth 8.2 cm
Who
- Culture
- Karamojong
- Previous Owner
- Eleanore C. Treutle Stephens
- Received from
- Eleanore C. Treutle Stephens (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Uganda
When
- Creation Date
- before 1952
- Collection Date
- during 1952
- Ownership Date
- before December 1, 1986
- Acquisition Date
- on December 1, 1986
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1156/0025