Kola Nut Box In Carved Wood Called
Very nice Kola nut dish and box, called "Okwa Oji", composed of a bowl with oval receptacle hollowed out in the mass in its center, and its lid, finished with a grip animated with 2 heads, figured "back to back"
IGBO culture, NIGERIA
Late 19th or early 20th c
Very beautiful driftwood patina, gray and relatively heavy, revealing in places the fine and aesthetic wood grain; the 2 parts (base and lid) are each monoxylated.
It's been in daily use and repeated over the decades of its existence, truly giving it a soul.
This type of vessel was used to preserve and present Kola nuts, which are regularly consumed with lime, both in ritual and social moments. The lid was also used as a nutcracker.
Wood with patina of use, erosion in places and slight missing parts (notably inside)
Dimensions:
31.5 cm long
*26.5 cm wide
and *14 cm high
Very fine decorative object, between abstraction and figuration.
"The Igbo are an ethnic group living in southeastern Nigeria.They make up 18% of Nigeria's population and thus represent the country's third largest ethnic group. They speak Igbo, a language of the Niger-Congo family. They are predominantly Christian farmers, whose society is based on a system of age classes.
The Igbo are farmers, who became Catholics following colonization by the English. Their main crops are yam, which is their staple food, maize and okra.
Food plays a key role in Igbo culture, particularly yam. Traditionally, the Yam festival is a yam harvest festival organized in honor of Ala, goddess of the earth and fertility.
In Igbo country, thekola nut (Oji, in Igbo) is of particular importance: it is present on tables at all major events (weddings, family reunions or baptisms) where it is blessed (igo oji in Igbo language) then broken (iwa oji in Igbo language) and distributed to guests according to rules that vary depending on the community, usually by men
"Red kola nut and palm wine: Sacred symbols of Igbo tradition
For the Igbo people, red kola (Cola acuminata) and palm wine are indispensable for ceremonies: births, weddings, titles, funerals and community gatherings.
After my recent visit to my Igbo friend's home, I learned that red kola and palm wine must be presented according to a strict protocol:
- Red Kola Nuts (Igbo Oji)Offering red kola nuts to guests first testifies to peace, respect and kindness. Sharing them strengthens unity, as the proverb says: "He who brings the kola nut brings life"
- Palm wine (Nkwu):This sacred drink is poured a little on the ground for the ancestors before being drunk. It symbolizes joy, solidarity and blessings from on high.
Period: 19th century
Style: Tribal Art
Condition: Condition of use
Material: Solid wood
Length: 31,5 cm
Width: 26,5cm
Height: 14 cm
Reference (ID): 1758988
Availability: In stock
