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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

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

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