TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:     
    Massai Milk Gourd

    The Massai produce these gourds by hollowing out a fruit
    from the squash family. A hot corncob is inserted into the
    hollowed out calabash and turned round and round. This
    action causes the inside of the gourd to blacken, and it
    causes the outside of the gourd to obtain a rich ochre
    patina.  

    This milk container has leather straps decorated with beads
    and cowrie shells.  There is a small stitched repair to the
    gourd.  

    The Massai use these gourds to contain a mixture of yogart
    like milk and blood, which is an important source of
    sustenance for them. The interior would be sterilized by
    burning.  This mixture also has an important role to play in
    the Massai people's customs, being used in ceremonies
    and rituals.

    The Massai are famous for their fierce warrior abilities, their
    respect and love for cattle, and their intricate and colorful
    beadwork adornment. The beading skills and traditional
    patterns are passed from mother to daughter, from
    generation to generation. Working outside while keeping
    careful watch on their young children, these women create
    delicate, multi-colored beaded jewelry, garments, and other
    accessories worn by both men and women for every day
    and for special occasions and feasts, and serve to identify a
    person's place in society, and many of their designs and
    colors carry symbolic meaning.  


Ethnic Group:           
    Massai Society  

Country of Origin:          
    Kenya
    Tanzania

Material:      
    Leath, Button, Beads, Gourd                 

Deminsions:


Reference:       
    Saitoti's MAASAI