Old West African Pumpkin

Mali's old decorated pumpkin, West Africa. First half of the 20th century

Pumpkins have been used for centuries in almost all the African territory as containers for storing food and liquids ( Water, milk etc ...) due to its excellent insulating properties. It is also customary for underprivileged students in West African Koranic schools to wander through the cities carrying a container to fill with benevolent food., and the pumpkin was the utensil used for these cases. They are currently in disuse due to the arrival of plastic.

This precious piece is beautifully decorated with fire engraved geometric motifs ( pirograbado).
Its size is 18 cm high (7" inch) and it has a maximum circumference of 40 cm ( 15,7" inch).

In perfect condition.
Unique piece.