Itunga MILK POT

Zulu culture, southern Africa, circa 1900

Drink

H.: 39; L.: 16 cm

(slight old accident)

Monoxyl wooden milk jug which symbolically takes up the stylized feminine lines: two sockets at the level of the neck leading to the chest, body is decorated with a series of four geometric motifs carved in a checkerboard pattern called amasumpa in relief on the body echoing with bodily scarifications, the foot finally, slightly flared, enhances the cylinder.

Bibliography: A similar copy is reproduced in the book Zulu tribal art by Alex Zaloumis, p.251

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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