Vessel
20th century
Maasai Kenya or Tanzania Eastern and Southern Africa
Kenya
The Maasai use locally grown calabashes, or gourds, in a variety of shapes and sizes as cups, bowls, or vessels. Pyro engravings (burnt on with an iron tool) and other incised designs are specific to a family or individual. These decorations are combined with hide straps, beads, and buttons to signal wealth and status; they also make it easier to locate one’s personal container when many are stacked together during communal events. This vessel features abstracted elephants and hoofprint designs.
Calabash, animal hide, and glass and plastic beads