Source [1,2,4]: “Art/artifact: African Art in Anthropology Collections” by Susan Vogel, Arthur C. Danto
Source [3]: SuperStock on Alamy
Source notes [1,2,4]:
Fiber, iron. H. 12 ¼ in. Richard Douglas, 1906…described this as from the town of Lealui in Barotseland. We can surmise that the needles were used to sew skins or barkcloth, since textiles were not collected from Barotseland at the time. “Its form is made of pleasing contrasts: the textures of sleek metal and rough fibers; the rigidity of the needles and the flexibility of the threads; the cool dark grey of the iron and the buff color of the case. The economy and efficiency of its concept are also attractive: the sharpened needle points are protected, their decorated ends displayed. The case of soft wood bound with a leather strip holds extra thread. The knobs at the ends of the needles kept the thread from sliding off and provided the opportunity for aesthetic elaboration. The spiraling of the shaft widened the hole and allowed smooth passage of the knob. This marriage of beauty and utility are characteristic of African design. Despite its monumental appearance, this remains a small, attractive, useful object without expressive content.”
Source notes [3]:
“The Craftsmen of Barotseland - This photograph shows two more of the primitive tools with which skins are treated. The native furrier uses a home-made, spiked implement and a piece of flint-stone to treat the skin after the braying operation is completed…February 8, 1952. (Photo by Camera Press)”
