Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

1940's - 1950's Zulu Milk Pail ('Ithunga'), South Africa

About the Item

This early-twentieth-century tall, narrow vessel, from the Zulu culture in South Africa, would have traditionally served as a milk pail. Known as an 'ithunga', the vessel exhibits a lovely curving form, with two carved wooden rectangular lugs on either side. During the milking process, these lugs would have allowed the container to be held in place, and would also have been used as grips to carry the vessel once it was full with milk. Adorning the body of the milk pail are two delicately conceived V-shaped relief decorations. Throughout, the 'ithunga' exhibits a well-worn surface, with a beautiful honey-brown patina. Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century (1940’s –1950’s)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)Diameter: 4.93 in (12.5 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1940's - 1950's
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU8736234686682

More From This Seller

View All
Rare 19th Century Zulu Studded Knobkerrie, South Africa
Located in London, GB
The large, mushroom-shaped bulbous head of this rare 19th century Zulu knobkerrie from South Africa has been decorated with an array of early metal tac...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

1930's Beaded Snuff Container. Zulu, Southern Africa
Located in London, GB
This intimately-sized 1930's Zulu snuff container has been beautifully decorated with glass beads. A circular opening features on one side, and on the other side, overlapping blue-an...
Category

Vintage 1930s South African Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood, Beads

Early Twentieth-Century South African Headrest
Located in London, GB
This fine early twentieth-century headrest, from the Zulu culture in South Africa, was previously part of a selection of exceptional Southern African art in the Terence and Bernice P...
Category

Early 20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Hardwood

1940's - 1950's Pare Maternity Figure, Tanzania
Located in London, GB
This finely carved mid-twentieth century figurative sculpture, from the Pare culture in Tanzania, depicts a female with large, prominent ears. Standing in a proud, upright stance, sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Tanzanian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Hardwood

Early Twentieth-Century African Madonna
Located in London, GB
This early twentieth-century African Madonna figurative sculpture from the Makonde culture in southern Tanzania, close to the border of Mozambique, exhibits a wonderful sense of move...
Category

Early 20th Century Tanzanian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Hardwood

Swazi Headrest With Old Label Attached, Southern Africa
Located in London, GB
The form of this Swazi headrest consists of an upper section supported by two tapering legs, fluted with vertical grooves. A central lug features on the underside of the headrest, ...
Category

20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

You May Also Like

South African Zulu Two Handled Carved Wood Meat Tray
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A South African two handled carved wood meat tray Zulu, 20th century Measures: Approximate 3 1/4" in. high x 10 1/2" in. long x 8 1/2" in. wide (8.2 x...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Zulu Wood Double Head Rest Stylized Human Figure, South Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Zulu carved wood double headrest with stylized human figure in middle, from South Africa. In stylized human form within a pair of vertical columns, with triangle arms and legs and he...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Zulu Milk Jug
Located in Richmond, VA
The Zulu people have traditionally been pastoral people, relying on cows for meat and milk. The daily practice of milking was preceded with singing and dancing, along with the royal milkers holding the wooden pails...
Category

20th Century South African Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Zulu Tribal Carved Wood Snuff Container, South Africa Finely Carved Incised
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Zulu Tribal carved wood Snuff Container, South Africa A finely carved snuff container with finely carved incised great geometric designs, a great example of the detailed work the Zu...
Category

Early 20th Century South African Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

African Tribal Art Zulu Neck Rest Head Rest South Africa
Located in London, GB
Nice vintage heavy hard wood Zulu neck rest with double antelope/animal design and burnished geometric pattern. length 43 cm height 13 cm Period 2nd half 20th century The Zulu are w...
Category

Mid-20th Century Zimbabwean Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

African Tribal Art Fine Zulu Neck Rest Head Rest South Africa
Located in London, GB
A fine Zulu head rest neck rest South Africa Raised on central pillars with geometric lozenge shaped carving all over. Measures: 22 x 14 x 5 cm approx. Period Early 20th century Ex U...
Category

Antique 19th Century Zimbabwean Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Recently Viewed

View All