Container Item Number: Ca68 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Container narrowing at top and bottom. The base (a) is concave and the mouth rim is tightly wrapped. The container is coiled in ten vertical sections. Cowrie shells are knotted on at the shoulder. The lid (b) also has cowrie shells knotted on just above the lip.
History Of Use
'Gorfa' type container which would normally be encased in a 'seephani' holder consisting of leather straps. The straps would be used to secure the lid and to suspend the container. Normally used to hold fresh or curdled milk. Cowrie shells can be a sign of wealth and symbol of fertility. The inside of most vessels are charred black because the sterilizing process involves burning embers of special tree, usually resulting in smoky tasting contents. The charred inside also acts as a seal to make it water tight. Borana men and women make containers; men make wooden ones and married women make woven ones. Called 'xoda' if it has a recessed lid, 'chicho' if convex.
Cultural Context
storage
Item History
- Made in Kenya before 1978
- Collected during 1978
- Owned by Marta Friesen before March 3, 1981
- Received from Marta Friesen (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on March 3, 1981
What
- Name
- Container
- Identification Number
- Ca68 a-b
- Type of Item
- container
- Material
- giraffe hair, grass, cowrie shell and resin ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- coiled, knotted and braided
- Overall
- height 32.0 cm, diameter 20.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Borana
- Previous Owner
- Marta Friesen
- Received from
- Marta Friesen (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Kenya
When
- Creation Date
- before 1978
- Collection Date
- during 1978
- Ownership Date
- before March 3, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on March 3, 1981
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0705/0010 a-b