1: An old knife of the Kuba (or Bakuba) in Congo, called ‘Ikula knife’. With an iron blade in a typical shape, double-edged, with raised ridge and finely grooved decoration on both sides. The handle of hard wood displays a beautiful shiny patina as a result of protracted use. A minor tear. L: 36 cm.
2: A large vessel from Ethiopia or Somalia: A pumpkin calabash with lid, tight and with braided plant fibres in fine, beautiful patterns. Partly painted with black tree resin. A round, low foot made of wickerwork. The entire vessel is covered with leather stripes and these are in turn - just like the lid - decorated with many cowrie shells (sewn). With carrying strap made of leather. H: c. 50 cm.
3: A round, pointed, splayed hat made of braided plant fibres. Light brown, with a double ornamental stripe of black fibres. On the tip of the cone is a round protective cap of black-and-red dyed leather, with a round, flat button and fringes. The rim of the hat is trimmed with black-red leather stripes. Braced with plaited rings on the underside. With a carrying strap of leather. These characteristic hats are worn by the men of the Peul people (also called Fulani or Ful), who live scattered in groups with other tribes in the Savannah to the south of the Sahara. Between Senegal and Cameroon. H: c. 27 cm, DM: 47 cm. All three objects: First half of the 20th century. (ME)