Turkana Fat Container (Eburi)

Turkana people, mid. 20th century, Kenya

Fascinating and unique wooden fat container, known as eburi (also akgitum or abur), traditionally made and used by Turkana women for storing animal fat for both domestic and cosmetic purposes. Expertly carved with an adze from the trunk of Delonix elata (locally called ekuruchanait) or Gardenia volkensi (ekware), the vessel features a cylindrical exterior and a carefully hollowed interior achieved using a long metal point.

Both ends of the container are covered with taut cowhide or goatskin, shaped over wet sand and securely fitted to form the lid and base. The hide components—including the handles—were prepared through the Turkana skinning technique known as akiyeng, “to skin with a knife.”

Large eburi were used to hold butterfat (akidetet), ghee (akimet), and bone marrow (akimet akoit). Smaller examples, like this one, contained emunyen—goat or cattle fat mixed with ochre—used by women for cosmetic decoration, skin protection, relief of chafing, and prevention of lice. The rich patina of use and the beautifully weathered surface speak to its long, functional life within Turkana domestic tradition.

Good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Fraying and stiffening of carrying strap. Some losses to hair on the hide. Dark and greasy surface patina from years of use. Evidence of fat storage due to light odor. Size approx. 21,0cm x 12,5cm x 12,0cm.

Provenance: From the estate of a Swedish painter and pop artist Sven Inge Höglund (1935-2008). Foundation for Innovative Art.

For a similar examples see:

Container, The British Museum, Accession Number: Af1983,10.6 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1983-10-6)

Butter container, Horniman Museum & Gardens, Accession Number: 2010.22 (https://www.horniman.ac.uk/object/2010.22)

Container, Museum of Anthropology: University of British Columbia, Accession Number: 0705/0004 a-b (https://www.rrncommunity.org/items/13672)