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Cup, D61.178

Physical Description

General shape of a hemisphere, i.e. of a hollow ball cut in half. Inside is of a natural light yellow colour. Outside is natural yellow brown colour which has been excised with various designs showing the white yellow layer under the exterior surface. The designs are of a stylized plant with bloom/flower (thistle?). To either side is what appears to be stylized profile of an animal/bird(?). General appearance is of an object virtually unused and in good condition.

Research Notes

Calabash/gourds made into cups/containers and incised with various decorations are common to many areas/cultures of Ghana(Gold Coast)/West Africa. It is possible that the type of design could assist in identifying the culture.

Ghana (Gold Coast). Specific area unknown. Gourd/calabash - plant material.

Likely used as drinking cup.

General shape of a hemisphere, i.e. of a hollow ball cut in half. Inside is of a natural light yellow colour. Outside is natural yellow brown colour which has been excised with various designs showing the white yellow layer under the exterior surface. The designs are of a stylized plant with bloom/flower (thistle?). To either side is what appears to be stylized profile of an animal/bird(?). General appearance is of an object virtually unused and in good condition.

Diameter at circumference/top edge = approx. 110mm. Thickness of calabash/gourd cup = approx. 3.3mm. —Joel A Vanderburg

Provenance

Locality:

Measurements

Maximum dimensions (H x W x D): 46 x 97 x 97mm

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