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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Fly whisk. The handle is a short and relatively straight stick stripped of bark. At upper end is a long, thick hank of horse hair, attached by a tightly woven panel of horse hair and cotton string. Hair thins slightly toward end of whisk.

History Of Use

A fly whisk, called "chira", is a commonly used tool used to shoo away flies. Undecorated ones were handled by the male head of a household. In additional to practical uses, they can be used for ceremonies by people of rank. The use of horse hair symbolized high status because horses were difficult to keep alive in a country with tse-tse flies. Ceremonial whisks have intricate handles, such as ornamented metal and ivory, and horse hair can be dyed bright colours.

Item History

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