unknown Mende
Mende (active ) Primary

Amulet Vessel

19th century - 20th century

7.4 x 1.38 x 1.38 in. (18.796 x 3.505 x 3.505 cm)

This object has the following keywords:

• African - Refers to the cultures of the continent of Africa, which is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.
• amulets - Small objects worn as protecting charms, as to ward off evil, harm, or illness, or to bring good fortune. For objects specifically cut with astrological or magical symbols, intended to protect the bearer, but not necessarily worn, use "talismans."
• horn - Material comprising horns, the hard, semitranslucent, proteinaceous structures that grow from the head of some mammals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and antelope. Horn, like nails, claws, and hooves, is composed of epidermal cells known as keratin. Rhinoceros horns are formed from matted hair. The colours of horn range from a light cream to black. Horn can be cut, engraved, or carved, and has been used since ancient times for tools and ornamentation. The thermoplastic material is softened with steam or boiling water then pressed into numerous shapes. In the 18th century, London was the center of the horn molding industry, primarily making snuff boxes and decorative containers. Distinguished from "antler (material)," which is the fast-growing bone of deer.
• Islam - Refers to the religious beliefs and social practices founded in the seventh century by the Arabian Prophet Muhammad, held to be the last of a series of major prophets, which include, according to Islamic dogma, Adam, Noah, and Jesus. It later spread throughout the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia. It is characterized by the belief in the fundamental idea that a devotee 'surrenders' and submits his will to Allah, the prime creator and sustainer of the universe and all creation. In Islam, God is unique and has no partner or intermediary as in the Christian Trinity. Social service and the active alleviation of suffering in others is considered the only path to salvation and prayer and sacred ritual alone are inadequate forms of submission to Allah. The Qur'an (Koran), the sacred text of the religion, is a compilation of revelations from Allah believed to have been received by Muhammad.
• Mende
• metal - Any of a large group of substances that typically show a characteristic luster, are good conductors of electricity and heat, are opaque, can be fused, and are usually malleable or ductile.
• ritual objects - Objects used for a particular ritual activity, often as part of a ceremony.
• vessels - Containers designed to serve as receptacles for a liquid or other substance, usually those of circular section and made of some durable material; especially containers of this nature in domestic use, employed in connection with the preparation or serving of food or drink, and usually of a size suitable for carrying by hand.
• West African - Styles and cultures from the region comprising the westernmost area of the African continent, defined by the United Nations as including the modern nations of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.