This traditional medicine container features a well patinaed wooden stopper of a man's head, which fits neatly into its gourd body. The gourd was used to contain medicines and would have been one of a collection of such containers used by the traditional healer. Decorating the body of the gourd are multiple strands of raffia and early white and black glass beads.
Such containers were extensively used by many cultures along the coastal regions of Tanzania running down to the border region of Mozambique.
Estimated Period: Mid 20th Century or Before
Ex Private Collection Amsterdam
Height: 24.5 cm
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