Turkana. Kenya
Leather, vegetal fibres. 27.5 x 33.5 cm. 1,069g.
The Turkana create various vessels from natural materials, such as leather,
fibre, gourds, etc.
This pot, made out of camel hide, contains animal fat which girls and women
apply to their skin and which is also used to make leather used for clothing
more supple. To obtain this shape, the hide is sewn, and resulting pouch is
filled with sand and then hit with a stick. Once it had dried the sand is poured
away and the pot keeps its shape. A handle in plaited leather makes it easy
to transport. The neck of the vessel is strengthened with vegetal fibres sown
around the leather. The pot is often covered with a wooden lid.
Inventory No.: 71.1903.33.243
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