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Kolanut Bowl (okwi oja)

Kolanut Bowl (okwi oja)

Unknown

Formal sharing of kolanuts expressed hospitality, open communication, and prestige of the exclusively male participants. The host broke apart the kolanut lobes and arranged them along the platter rim according to familial protocol. The heads of two bearded males embellish the lid, which covers a central cavity for condiments such as mashed peanuts and peppers.
Artist
Unknown (Nigerian, Igbo People)
Title
Kolanut Bowl (okwi oja)
Date
early 20th century
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
8 3/4 x 15 7/8 x 16 1/2 in. Overall
Credit
Gift of Drs. Gladys, Jay, Jeffrey, Jamie, and James Strain
Accession No.
1999.131.5a-b
Classification
Decorative Carving
Geography
Nigeria

Related

8 December 1999, gifted by Drs. Gladys, Jay, Jeffrey, Jamie, and James Strain (Riverdale, NY) to the Elvehjem Museum of Art [now called Chazen Museum of Art]

  • Exhibition gallery guide, "Revealing Forms: African Art from the Elvehjem Collection." 2002.
  • Drewal, Henry John. "African Art at the Elvehjem." Bulletin/Biennial Report 2001-2003. Elvehjem Museum of Art (2003): 16-36. pp. 16-36

  • Recent Acquisitions: African Art of the Igbo Peoples: Chazen Museum of Art, 11/1/2007–11/30/2007
  • Revealing Forms: African Art from the Collection: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 4/20/2002–6/16/2002

The Chazen Museum of Art welcomes comments or inquiries about works in our collection. Please allow two–three weeks for a response. Chazen staff is not able to provide valuations or authentications and such inquiries cannot be answered.

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