Portable Salt Shaker Horn

Mursi culture, Omo valley, Ethiopia
XXᵉ siècle
Collection Jean-Pierre Dutilleux

Rare portable salt horn characteristic of productions from the Mursi culture (Omo valley, Ethiopia), intended for transporting salt, an essential resource in the region's pastoral societies.

The object, carved from an organic animal material - most likely bovine horn - adopts a perfectly balanced double-horn shape. It is structured around a central cylindrical compartment made of translucent material (polished horn or natural resin), designed to contain the salt.

The ends are closed by tight-fitting stoppers, held in place by a system of ancient plant-fiber ligatures. A twisted fiber handle, securely fastened, allowed the object to be worn suspended or on a belt, underlining its functional and mobile dimension.

The surface has a deep, nuanced patina, from honey-brown to dark brown. The interior retains characteristic whitish deposits, corresponding to salt residues, attesting to actual use in the field.

By its completeness, intact suspension system and presence of traces of use, this specimen constitutes a particularly accomplished ethnographic testimony.

PROVENANCE

Collection Jean-Pierre Dutilleux
Constituted during field missions

PUBLICATION

TRIBES - The First People, Éditions Vilo

Object of identical typology to the one reproduced and identified as "Corne salière / Saltshaker" in the book.

EXHIBITION

Presented as part of the exhibition "Le Monde Premier" devoted to Jean-Pierre Dutilleux's field collections.

The set retains its original quadrilingual museographic nominette, a rarely preserved element, confirming its integration into the exhibition itinerary.

NOTE

Utility objects linked to the transport of salt within Omo Valley cultures are rarely preserved in such complete condition.

The presence of internal residues, combined with the integrity of the suspension system, significantly enhances the ethnographic interest and value of this specimen.

STATUS

Good overall condition
Coherent wear pattern
Ancient ligatures preserved
Stable structure.