Somali milk vessel
- Audio guide stop: 168
- Gallery: Room 24
- Made in: Somalia
- Date: 1920-1935 (circa)
- Object type: milk-vessel
- Materials: wood; leather
- Museum number: Af1935,1108.52.a-b
- Museum: The British Museum
- Collection record: British Museum website
- Image © The Trustees of the British Museum, shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence.
Listen to the free audio guide
About this object
This is a Somali milk vessel, carved from wood and decorated with a distinct checkerboard pattern. The vessel is shaped like an hourglass, with a leather carrying strap attached to small knobs on each side for easy transport. A round wooden lid fits securely on top, ensuring the contents remain fresh. The intricate horizontal hatching and stitched leather handles show the skill and care of the maker.
This piece was likely used by the Darod tribe or the Hauia tribe for storing milk, as noted in records from 1934–1935. It was collected during an expedition in Italian Somaliland by Major and Miss Powell-Cotton and donated to the museum shortly after.
Looking closely, you'll see the combination of function and artistry that speaks to the cultural traditions of Somalia. Each mark and shape reflects a long history of craft and daily life.
See it in person
Somali milk vessel is on display in Room 24 at the British Museum on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London — free to enter. Choose British Museum on audioguide.london and type its audio guide stop number, 168, from the gallery label, or take a photo of it, to hear this free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
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