Nyamwezi Beaded Diviner's Medicine Gourd Tanzania

The Nyamwezi diviner's medicine gourds were used to contain medicinal contents used in divination and the community's healing rituals. The intricate carving of the container tops or stoppers elevated their significance. This piece has significant beading, cowrie shells, animal horn and bells.

These gourds gained added potency as healing tools and were often adorned with string, feathers, and carved figures to represent the Nyamwezi ancestors. 

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