Details

IPSMG:R.1935.137.9

Ipswich Collections

Square of undyed, coarsely-woven, cotton cloth ornamented at the centre with a small monkey's skull, surrounded with a ring of cowries. This central area has been stained with a thick dark brown stain, dye or paint. 16 cowries are sewn around the edges. Tying straps are provided for tying on, which have been knotted together. No 8. of a series of charm-related items. According to the Extensions register, this item, was part of a series of 12 items that were 'the stock in trade of a ju-ju man in South Nigeria'. They may be the article within the 1934 loan list, within Section D, from the 'Efik tribe, Calabar, Cross River' (number 57) as the terminology used in the article is similar 'A fortune-teller's stock-in-trade'.

Southern Nigeria, Africa

1901-01-01 - 1917-01-01

cotton, cowrie shell, bone