Fine Medicine Container

Fine Medicine Container With Mother and Child Stopper. Kwere, Tanzania‍

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This calabash medicine container would have been used by a Kwere witch doctor (mganga) to contain traditional medicinal cures for sickness and ailments. The container's finely carved stopper depicts a mother with a baby on her back. Crowned with a double-parted coiffure, the mother rests both arms on her stomach area.

The body of the calabash has been bound in rope and cloth, and the surface of the container exhibits an oily patina.

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Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century

H: 18cm‍

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