Container Item Number: 905/9 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Brown coloured tubular container (part a) with skin lid (part b). Container has skin(?) cording wrapped around centre. Large piece of skin covers the bottom and is stretched up to the middle of the container.
History Of Use
Tag with object says: ‘Turkana container used by women for storing animal fat for domestic and cosmetic use'; the shape is standard for Turkana fat containers (akgitum or abur). Types of fat stored in the containers are: emunyen, butterfat (akidetet), ghee (akimet), and bone marrow (akimet a akoit). Emunyen (goat or cattle fat mixed with ochre) is used by women for decorative purposes, moisturizing, relieving chafing, and preventing body lice. Necklaces are also coated in it. Butterfat and ghee are used as a calorie-dense source of key nutrients and minerals. It could be stored for longer portions of time, and could be eaten on its own or used in preparation of other foods; bone marrow was particularly nutritious. Fat from butchered animals was also stored in these containers, and could be heated to be used as a cooking oil.
Specific Techniques
The wood used is likely from the species delonix elata, called ekuruchanait by the Turkana people. The skin composing the lid, bottom of the container, and handles of the container would have been harvested through the process of akiyeng, meaning "to skin with a knife". The skin was likely bound to the wood with the use of a thick needle used in leather working, called an emutu or ngimutun. These skills are mostly known to women since they are the principal creators of containers.
Item History
- Made in Kenya
- Owned by Nerina Bene before December 6, 1983
- Received from Nerina Bene (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on December 6, 1983
What
Who
- Culture
- Turkana
- Previous Owner
- Nerina Bene
- Received from
- Nerina Bene (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Kenya
When
- Ownership Date
- before December 6, 1983
- Acquisition Date
- on December 6, 1983
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0905/0009 a-b