Chewa
Pot
Chewa, 1900
Scroll
Chewa
Pot
Chewa, 1900
Physical Qualities
Ceramic, 11 1/2 x 6 1/4 in. (29.2 x 15.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mona Gavigan, Washington, D.C.
Object Number
2007.360
Each small container and implement in this case was created to serve and beautify the household. The richly varied materials and objects’ pleasing form, surface, and design enhanced and facilitated the daily tasks of preparing and serving food, or storing liquids, foodstuffs, and sundries. The whimsical Lozi funnel in the form of a guinea fowl must have created great amusement as it was being used to prepare food, while the Kongo pestle adorned with a maternity figure might have reminded the cook of her solemn role to feed and nurture her family. The gleaming Asante brass container with repoussé designs held prized cosmetics or jewelry.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2007; Mona Gavigan, Washington, DC
Nichole Bridges, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Hand Held: Personal Arts from Africa," Sept. 25, 2011-Feb. 5, 2012.