Vntg Decorated African Maasai Gourd Bottle Container with Lid Beads Cowry & Shells
The gourd without the strap measures 12 3/4 inches tall by about 6 inches with shells.
From AI:
This item is a traditional Maasai handmade gourd bottle (kibuyu) from Kenya, historically used as a vessel to carry water, milk, or blood. - Materials: Crafted from a dried hollow gourd decorated with cowrie shells, glass beads, and leather straps.
- Purpose: Traditionally used by the Maasai people for storing fermented milk (Mursik).
- Features: Burnt in designs and is sealed with a leather cap which was secured by leather.