Tool Item Number: 2600/9 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Four interlocking pieces of reed, each with the centre peeled away, leaving a hard exterior and soft interior.
Cultural Context
Donor called this object a 'crazy-making machine' or 'spirit befuddler'. "When a hunter is pursuing game, he leaves familiar territory and suddenly finds himself in a territory governed by evil spirits, he may feel pursued by them. He quickly carves the interlocking pieces and leaves it for the alien spirits to find. The pursuing spirit is intrigued and tries to disassemble it, but cannot since it is made from one piece. Finally, totally befuddled, he leaves off pursuing the victim. Often, several are made and left at intervals."
Item History
- Made by Alcides Chamarra (Maker) in Pimia River, Choco, Colombia during 1951
- Collected between 1951 and 1952
- Owned by Jacob Loewen and Anne Loewen before July 22, 2003
- Received from Jacob Loewen (Donor) and Anne Loewen (Donor) on July 22, 2003
What
- Name
- Tool
- Identification Number
- 2600/9
- Type of Item
- tool
- Material
- reed grass
- Each Segment
- height 48.8 cm, width 0.8 cm
Who
- Culture
- Wounaan
- Creator
- Alcides Chamarra (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Jacob Loewen and Anne Loewen
- Received from
- Jacob Loewen (Donor) and Anne Loewen (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Pimia River, Choco, Colombia
When
- Creation Date
- during 1951
- Collection Date
- between 1951 and 1952
- Ownership Date
- before July 22, 2003
- Acquisition Date
- on July 22, 2003
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 95
- Accession Number
- 2600/0009