Vessel

The Maasai use locally grown calabashes, or gourds, in a variety of shapes and sizes as cups, bowls, or vessels. Pyro engravings (burnt on with an iron tool) and other incised designs are specific to a family or individual. These decorations are combined with hide straps, beads, and buttons to signal wealth and status; they also make it easier to locate one’s personal container when many are stacked together during communal events. This vessel features abstracted elephants and hoofprint designs.