Description

Height: 38cm

Width: 16cm

An unusual early 20th century African water vessel, believed to be of Tuareg origin, constructed from tightly woven natural fibre and extensively bound with aged leather.

The vessel has a distinctive elongated form with a narrow neck, fitted stopper and numerous vertical leather reinforcing straps running around the body.

The original carrying straps remain attached, while the top of the stopper is beautifully decorated with a complete border of cowrie shells.

A fascinating example of traditional utilitarian craftsmanship, made to be both durable and portable.

The combination of woven fibre, heavily patinated leather and cowrie shell decoration gives the piece tremendous character and makes it particularly suited to an ethnographic or tribal art collection.

Dating from approximately the early 20th century, the vessel shows considerable age and use, including extensive patination, drying and cracking to the leather, wear to the woven fibres and deterioration to some of the straps and bindings.

These have been left untouched and form an important part of the object’s character and history.