IDNO

N.19132.ROS

Description

A wicker frame alongside a small earthen pot filled with sweet-scented chips of wood, positioned on a table against a white wall. These implements were used to fumigate barkcloth.

Place

E Africa; Uganda; Bunyoro; Kitara

Cultural Affliation

Banyoro (Bakitara)

Named Person

Photographer

?Roscoe, John R.

Collector / Expedition

Roscoe, John R. [Mackie Ethnological Expedition, Uganda, 1919 - 1920]

Date

1919 - 1920

Collection Name

Roscoe Collection

Source

Format

Film Negative Black & White

Primary Documentation

Other Information

This negative was kept in an envelope marked C30/81/ by the cataloguer. The envelope was kept in box marked C30/ by the cataloguer.
Previously stored on Shelf 4, in group of 4 wooden boxes numbered 180.

Publication: Image published in Roscoe, J., 1922. The Soul of Central Africa: An Account of the Mackie Ethnological Expedition. (London: Cassell and Co.), p. 168, with the caption: Bunyoro: Wicker frame for fumigating barkcloth”. [ED 2/10/2007]

Context: "The bark cloths worn by the king and the more wealthy people are fumigated after they have been worn. For this purpose a wicker frame, like a very large inverted basket, is used, and under it is an earthen pot containing smouldering sweet-scented chips of wood. The barkcloth is spread over this and left until the smoke has thoroughly permeated the material, finding its way into every fold and crease and destroying all vermin. The sweet-smelling, cleansed barkcloths are rolled up and put aside in readiness for further wear. The poorer people, having only a limited number of cloths cannot do this, and often suffer much misery from their inability to keep their bodies free from insect pests” (Roscoe, J., 1922. The Soul of Central Africa: An Account of the Mackie Ethnological Expedition. (London: Cassell and Co.), p. 171). [ED 2/10/2007]

This catalogue record has been updated with the support of the Getty Grant Program Two. [Elisabeth Deane 2/10/2007]