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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
African Sculptures : Zaramo Terracotta Shaman's Mixing Bowl
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Zaramo Terracotta Shaman's Mixing Bowl - PF.4459
Origin: Eastcentral Tanzania
Circa: 19
th
Century AD
to 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
9.25" (23.5cm) high
x 6.5" (16.5cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Terracotta
$4,800.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Occasionally, we are confronted with a work of
art that totally challenges our perceptions.
Everyone has a stockpile of images acquired
from childhood, and when an object from
another culture is presented, sometimes our
senses recoil in surprise and shock. To learn
about such objects is not only an experience in
art, but a new way of looking at the world.
This phenomenal bowl was used by a medicine
man to mix his potions. Most African cultures
relied upon an individual experienced in the
knowledge of herbs, roots, berries, (the fauna
and flora of his region), for their daily medical
treatment. It was and is an extremely exact
science, requiring years of training. The herbalist
understood the properties of plants for curing
and treating everything from muscle aches to
serious diseases. In addition, and of great
importance, he was adept at interrelating the
physical body with spiritual forces to achieve a
harmonious balance between the two. Such
expertise was highly valued and the power these
individuals possessed can be seen in the objects
created to help them in their work. This bowl is
quite formidable, and was probably intentionally
made to be so. The studs covering the bowl may
act as a warning to the inexperienced not to
touch. The female figure on the lid appears
related to fertility rites, and perhaps the
medicines mixed were for women's complaints.
Whatever its specific use, such an object will
always intrigue and amaze. The dried herbs still
left inside act as a potent reminder of the
mysteries of other cultures.
- (PF.4459)
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