Source: “Art/artifact: African Art in Anthropology Collections” by Susan Vogel, Arthur C. Danto.
Book shelved at @seedarchives in London.
Source notes: “Ivory. L. 21 ¾ in. Used as a pounder in the production of textiles and bread, this tusk is “worn down near the end by many hands.” Elephant tusks were very valuable and “handed down from mother to daughter for many generations.” (William H. Sheppard, 1911.) The uneven narrowing of the tusk near the wide end forms a grip perfectly fitted to the right hand. The heft of the pestle in the hand and the smooth surface of the ivory provide a sensuous pleasure. The analogy between pounder and phallus is the topic of many jokes and the phallic form of this women’s tool is in no way accidental.”
