Pestle Item Number: K2.450 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Long, tan-coloured branch-like pestle; bottom section has been glued on and wood has been pounded into a fibrous, cap-shaped end.
History Of Use
Pestle (etôhtî) to pound spices or fufu in a mortar. Large pestles are used to pound cassava, yam or plantain for fufu, generally eaten with a stew; small pestles are for grinding spices and other condiments. It serves both a utilitarian and symbolic purposes. For utilitarian purposes it can be used by both men and women, and the thumping sound of the pestle 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. When used during particular ceremonies, such as the initiation of young boys, only men can use it.
Item History
- Made in Accra, Ghana ?
- Collected between 1970 and 1974
- Owned by Dugal Macgregor and Sue Macgregor before September 27, 1974
- Received from Dugal Macgregor (Donor) and Sue Macgregor (Donor) on September 27, 1974
What
Who
- Culture
- West African
- Previous Owner
- Dugal Macgregor and Sue Macgregor
- Received from
- Dugal Macgregor (Donor) and Sue Macgregor (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Accra, Ghana ?
When
- Collection Date
- between 1970 and 1974
- Ownership Date
- before September 27, 1974
- Acquisition Date
- on September 27, 1974
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0265/0003