Brass Tray

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Decorated brass dish, late 19th/early 20th century
African, Nigeria, Old Calabar, Efik people
Brass

Donated by Wishart Church, 1991
Museum number 1991-58

This punch decorated dish was produced by an Efik girl whilst confined in a 'fatting-room'. This was the practice of secluding girls and fattening them prior to marriage. During this time they were instructed in various tasks - how to cook, dance, create body paintings and how to make and decorate crafts. High prestige dishes like this one were considered necessary in Ekpe initiation ceremonies.