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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

Ostrich egg water holder with a hole drilled into the top; leather strap inserted into hole, for carrying purposes. Incised geometric and animal motifs throughout; incisions are filled in black. Antelope designs are on front and back, directly underneath the drilled hole. Animal on front has its knees bent and tongue out; animal on back is standing straight. Long lines of connected diamonds run down sides, dividing the front and back of the container. Base is undecorated.

History Of Use

After drilling a small hole in an ostrich shell, Khoisan would eat the raw egg, and then keep the shell for use as a water container. After filling the shell with water, the hole would be filled with a plant stem. The containers could then be buried for future use, e.g., while hunting or moving to seasonal camps. If leather straps were attached, they could be carried on belts. Markings were used to show ownership.

Item History

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