Spice/Butter Container, Gurage , Ethiopia

This exquisite container or vessel, crafted by the Gurage people of Ethiopia, was designed for storing butter or spices. It is made of clay with a rattan base and a rattan lid, which is strapped with leather and closed with a cowrie shell. The surface features intricate patterns and designs, and the conical elongated lid adds to its charm. Late 20th Century, measurements are H 25 cm x W 11 cm. Provenance: Ex British Collection