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Pair African Gourd Storage Vessels, Kenya or Ethiopia, early-mid 20th Century

About the Item

A fantastic pair of large African gourd storage vessels with native repairs, early to mid 20th century, Ethiopia or Kenya. This pair of dried and hollowed gourd vessels would originally have been used to store liquids. The gourds have generous, bulbous bodies with short and tapered curved necks, offering a natural and ergonomic hand hold. The high value the original owners placed on these pieces can be seen in the applied native repairs, featuring patches and woven fiber. Years of use have given these gourds a wonderfully deep and rich patina. These are most likely Giant African Drum Gourds, a type of calabash grown specifically for turning into functional items. Once ripe and of appropriate size, the gourd is first dried, before the interior is scraped out. Once fully dried, the gourds are perfect for water transport and storage. They are also used to store porridge. Several similar examples can be found in the National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, where they are attributed to multiple groups.

Dimensions:

Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)Diameter: 12 in (30.48 cm)

Sold As:

Set of 2

Style:

Tribal (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Natural Fiber,Hand-Carved,Hand-Woven

Place of Origin:

Kenya

Period:

20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

Early/Mid-20th Century

Condition:

Repaired: With old native repairs, including plugs and woven fiber repairs. Wear consistent with age and use. Very good condition, with old, native repairs.

Seller Location:

Austin, TX

Reference Number:

1stDibs: U100830894743

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