Calabash bowl, with lid
Yoruba; Nigeria, Oyo
Collected by William R. and Berta Bascom, 1951
5-15649a,b
The Yoruba used gourds or calabashes for drinking, serving food, as well as for carrying palm wine, sacrifices, and goods to sell in the market. Calabashes are carved by male specialists, and the city of Oyo was noted for the production of decorated ones such as this. This unused example, ornamented with birds, was intended as a food server. Its two halves are likened by the Yoruba to the two parts of the universe (the world of the living and that of the spirits).
(Photograph 1 of 8)
Continue
|
|
