Jar

Item number 893/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Bronze-painted jar with flared foot, protruding band just below shoulder, and flared neck.; another protruding band at base of neck; handle from shoulder to lip. Decoration on shoulder of diagonally stamped, bumpy lines.

History Of Use

This type of jug (kôkôré) originated in Arab countries where jugs were used to serve non-alcoholic drinks among Muslims. In predominantly non-Muslim countries this jug is used to serve palm wine for high-ranking visitors, or ones generally considered special. The head of the family, usually a male patriach, sends a woman or girl to serve palm wing as a gift to the vistior. Only women have the right to use the jug; it is the modern equivalent of a traditional tulu, which was used to store beer and water.

Narrative

According to the donor, the jar was from Jebba or Shonga in Nigeria. The jar was previously owned by her father, Reverend Banfield. He was a missionary, mainly in West Africa, from 1901 to c. 1930. He worked for many years among the Nube people in interior Nigeria.