H x W x D: 32 × 16.6 × 16.6 cm, 0.9 kg (12 5/8 × 6 9/16 × 6 9/16 in., 2 lb.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Western Province, Zambia
Date:
1886-1916
Description:
Oval shape wooded bowl with lid. Its base is flat and the sides rise up straight, with no tapering. The sides of the bowl are of a lighter, natural wood tone into which has been incised radiating chevrons with central vertical lines in stained or darkened wood. The lid has also been darkened. It has a lip the folds over the edge of the bowl. Its surface is gently convex, or domed, with a seated figure carved upon the center, like a handle. The figure is depicted with its legs bent in front of it, and a gun resting on its shoulder. The figure’s features are geometric and block like in form, and its head upturned so that eyes and nose are turned skyward.
Provenance:
Private collector Gordon Crawford of Eswatini bought in Scotland from Paul Alexander Auctioneers, located at 68a Eastway Hillend Industrial Estate Bay KY11 9JF. Senior Curator Karen E.Milbourne has communicated with the Ngambela (Prime Minister) of the Barotse Royal Establishment who has confirmed that there is no policy for the return of these artworks that were frequently sold or gifted as ambassadors of Barotseland since the late 19th century.
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
