Mortar Item Number: 2704/17 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden mortar (part a) and pestle (part b). The mortar is a heavy bowl with a flat bottom, straight sides and shallow interior bowl. The pestle has a blunt end, tapering to a thin middle section before rounding out again and tapering to a long thin end.
History Of Use
Mortar used to crush spices that go into sauces. It is also used to make fufu, a famous West African dish made from pounding yam, cassava, or plantain. Mortars have both utilitarian and symbolic roles. For utilitarian purposes, the thumping sound of the pestle meeting the mortar announces the beginning of cooking. The pounding usually follows a rhythmic sound and usually accompanies a song. Depending on the occassion (funeral, weddings, birth or, just a lullaby) the song can vary. Symbolically mortars are used during traditional ceremonies for the initiation of young Kabiyè boys, when it is cut from a specific wood called atitoè. Mortars are used by both men and women.
Item History
- Made in Nigeria
- Owned by Laurice Durham-Aldridge and Anthony Durham-Aldridge
- Owned by Carmel Magnusson and Terry Aldridge before March 19, 2008
- Received from Carmel Magnusson (Donor) and Terry Aldridge (Donor) on March 19, 2008
What
Who
- Culture
- West African
- Previous Owner
- Laurice Durham-Aldridge, Anthony Durham-Aldridge, Carmel Magnusson and Terry Aldridge
- Received from
- Carmel Magnusson (Donor) and Terry Aldridge (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nigeria
When
- Ownership Date
- before March 19, 2008
- Acquisition Date
- on March 19, 2008
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2704/0017 a-b