Additional information
| Primary Materials | |
|---|---|
| Materials | |
| Regions | |
| Ethnic Groups |
Massive Fulani Calabash
Marc Ginzberg’s African Forms illustrates a gourd container with a similar design which he identifies as Mangbetu. He likens the interlocking pattern to leopard spots which may well have been the intention of the carver. This 17.5″ diameter gourd hails from northern Cameroon and was the work of semi-nomadic Fulani. It represents the vertical half of a large hollowed-out, incised and blackened gourd. Fulani communities are scattered across West Africa from Senegal through the Central African Republic. It is a common sight to see Fulani women bringing milk to market in just such calabashes which are lightweight, remarkably durable and are well suited to personalized decoration.
