Decorated Gourd Item Number: Af469 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Oval asymmetrical bowl-shaped calabash decorated inside and on base with a pre-amulating bird surrounded by a simple linear geometric design. The bird on the exterior has abstract stars around it and is surrounded by a darker circular band with four equally spaced radiating bands and circular lines all around. The bird on the interior has a plain background and is surrounded by a circular band of triangles separated by two vertical lines, and square grid lines all around. The decoration is burnt into the surface and varies in shades of brown.
History Of Use
Calabashes were first decorated for use in the service of the Orisa, the sacred pantheon of the Yoruba. Later they were made in homage to chiefs and more recently as domestic containers. In recent years, calabashes have become purely decorative objects.
Specific Techniques
The ripe calabash gourd is prepared by women by soaking it until the seeds and pulp are rotten. It is then cut open and the contents removed. The shell is hardened in the sun and the design is burnt in by men using a hot iron pin.
Item History
- Made in Keffi, Nigeria before 1972
- Collected during 1972
- Owned by Andrew Stewart and Jessie Stewart before February 8, 1980
- Received from Andrew Stewart (Donor) and Jessie Stewart (Donor) on February 8, 1980
What
Who
- Culture
- Yoruba
- Previous Owner
- Andrew Stewart and Jessie Stewart
- Received from
- Andrew Stewart (Donor) and Jessie Stewart (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Keffi, Nigeria
When
- Creation Date
- before 1972
- Collection Date
- during 1972
- Ownership Date
- before February 8, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on February 8, 1980
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 100
- Accession Number
- 0590/0136