Bottle with stopper, first half of 20th century
Unknown Somaliexpand_more
Wood, leather, plant fibersexpand_more
Gift of Charles and Blanche Derby in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Minneapolis Institute of Artsexpand_more 2014.135
On View in Gallery 242expand_more
This carved wooden bottle and stopper from Somalia with its interlacing geometric patterns is called "weyso" or "quluc". "Weyso" also means “ablution” (ceremonial washing), which is one of the bottle’s functions: to hold the water used to wash the face, hands, and feet before offering prayers to God. The bottle may have also been used by a faith-based healer. After writing Qur’anic verses or religious formulas on a wooden board, the healer washes off the words and signs, and captures the water. This water can be used to heal or protect the believer.
Details
- Title
- Bottle with stopper
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2014.135
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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