Cola nut bowl "okwa oji" ·  Nigeria, Igbo · ID: 3035266

Description

heavy wood, brown patina, remains of pigments, flat circular bowl, a receptacle with lid in the centre, the lid carved with two antelope heads and a human figure, min. dam., slight traces of usage;
kola nuts and chalk are the most important ritual substances in this part of Africa for both, hospitality ceremonies and ritual undertakings. Their red, respective white color awakes powerful associations, and special dishes are sculpted for their containment.

Comparing literature

Cole, Herbert M. & Chike C. Aniakor, Chike, Igbo Arts, Los Angeles 1984, p. 62 f.