Accession Number2000/2.89
TitlePurse
Artist(s)Object Creation Datecirca 1890-1920Medium & Supportbrass and stringDimensions 10 5/8 in x 6 5/16 in x 1 15/16 in (26.99 cm x 16.03 cm x 4.92 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. James and Vivian CurtisSubject matterThis object listed as made by Kirdi peoples, while most likely correct, is not without issue. “Kirdi”, meaning pagan, was the label given to the various peoples from northern Cameroon, northeastern Nigeria, and southern Chad by neighboring Fulani and Kanuri peoples because they did not practice Islam, while the latter do. The people collectively known as “Kirdi” are actually many different cultural groups with their own customs. However, due to a lack of information on where exactly this object came from, it is not possible to say with certainty which group of people created it.
While the use of this purse is not clear, since it is made of brass it is possible it was a prestige item.
References Cited:
Gebauer, Paul. 1979.
Art of Cameroon. Portland, Or.: Portland Art Museum.
Lembezat, Bertrand. 1961.
Les populations païennes du Nord-Cameroun et de l'Adamaoua. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France.
Lembezat, Bertrand. 1952.
Mukulehe; un clan montagnard du Nord-Cameroun; coutumes, rites, croyances. Paris: Berger-Levrault.
Northern, Tamara. 1984.
The Art of Cameroon. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution.
Page, Donna. 2007.
A Cameroon World. New York: QCC Art Gallery Press.
Physical DescriptionRound brass purse with loops around the outer edge. Attached to each loop is a string of brass beads and a crotal bell. The handle is composed of brass beads. The edge of the flap closure is decorated with concentric semi-circles.
Primary Object Classification Costume and Costume Accessories Primary Object TypepurseCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
beads
bell
social status
symbols of office or status
wealth