A KWERE CALABASH

Tanzania

Ex private French collection

Wood and beads, 23 x 15 cm

Objects such as the ones below were used to hold medicine. They were
traditionally used by the traditional healer to contain either liquids or powders
that were then used during the healing ceremony.
It was a tradition in Tanzania to finely carve to tops of
the containers, which then gave the container more person importance and made it possible to directly link the piece to a certain tribe and region mostly by the shape of the head and headstyle on the stopper.

Calabashes and antelope horns are frequently used as containers for medicines, sacred oils, and other substances among different
Tanzanian peoples. They are often closed with beautifully carved wooden stoppers, miniature heads that mimic larger sculptures and masks.

Price:  €  275,=