Catalog Number |
CAS 0493-0324 | |
Category | Basketry | |
Object Name | Wickerwork dome | |
Culture | Gabra | |
Global Region | Sub-Saharan Africa | |
Country | Kenya | |
State/Prov./Dist. | Meikona, Gabraland | |
County | ||
Other Geographic Data | Meikona, Gabraland | |
Maker's Name | Unknown | |
Date of Manufacture | 1974 | |
Collection Name | Torry Collection (Gabra) | |
Materials | Madera wood; Camel hide thongs | |
Description | Round open weave wicker dome with rounded bottom, made from peeled sticks woven together with camel skin thongs; Peeled sticks are arranged in groups of four, with 4 vertical groups arranged in one direction and 3 additional vertical groups crossing the first 4 groups at right angles on the base; 4 more groups of sticks are positioned horizontally inside to form the sides; The thong lacings on each group of sticks are woven in a simple tapestry weave in areas where there is only one level; In areas where two groups of sticks overlap, the thongs are also woven in a single-strand wrapped twining technique to secure both layers to each other; Exterior surface appears to have been rubbed with mud; According to field notes, this item was made for its female owner’s wedding and is used outdoors to perfume cloth (usually women’s and children’s clothing) by placing the dome over a depression in the ground in which aromatic wood and/or incense is burned, and then draping the cloth over the dome; the dome is also sometimes used a a temporary pen for baby animals. | |
Dimensions (cm) | Height = 37.2, Max Diam = 40.6 |