Mortar Item Number: K2.449 b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Short, wide wood piece carved into a conical hollow shape with a flared foot.
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. Mortars are used by both men and women.
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
- 0265/0002 b