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Description

Skimmer made of woven grass with a six-sided bowl consisting of strips of grass woven closely together to form a strainer and a handle that begins at the centre of the bowl as two separate arms, which join one third of the way up the handle, and then the handle tapers towards the end where there is a loop for hanging. From the centre of the bowl, there is a band of undyed grass, followed by a narrower band of green, a wider band of purple, and undyed grass at the edge. The colours are most visible on the underside of the bowl. The handle is faintly green at both ends where the grass is wound around the handle form, and then is woven faint green and purple-brown at the centre, with the loop at the end purple-brown.

Specific Techniques

Although grass-weaving techniques vary considerably from location to location, many skimmers (isikhetho) are woven by women using Ilala palm fronds or from grass rope. The weaving technique used in the creation of this isikhetho may represent the umqolo weaving technique.

History Of Use

Skimmer (isikhetho) used to skim off any lingering foams or solids from beer (utshwala); usually made by women. Women create the tools and pots (ukhamba) for beer making because of the idea that heat is the driver of growth and qualitative change, and women are perceived to be natural possessors of the heat needed for creation. Because of the importance of heat in both the maker and the process of brewing utshwala there are taboos in place to prevent too much heat energy from a woman affecting the brew. If women are menstruating, pregnant, or have had sex in the past day, they are forbidden from brewing beer, making tools for brewing, or firing an ukhamba. In Southern Africa, the brews, along with tobacco and meat, were the primary means to contact the ancestors. The beer, traditionally brewed by women, customarily had a portion poured out for the ancestors so that could certify it was a successful batch. These brews, as well as the tools used in their production, are among the few income-generating crafts historically produced by women in the region. Utshwala is still widely brewed in homes across South Africa for domestic consumption, as well as gifts and for sale.