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1949.8.127

Tall horn cup with everted rim and concave sides flaring in to a flanged base with flat underside, used to nullify poisoned drinks [RTS 25/8/2004].

1949.8.127

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Collection type
Object
Description
Tall horn cup with everted rim and concave sides flaring in to a flanged base with flat underside, used to nullify poisoned drinks [RTS 25/8/2004].
Long description
Deep cup carved from a single piece of rhinoceros horn, and consisting of an everted rim sloping down to the mouth interior, with a flattened outside edge; below this the walls curve concavely in to form a tall body on a slightly recessed foot with two flanges that step inwards to a flat base. The exterior has been decorated with two grooves around the upper body just below the rim, and a similar pair just above the recessed foot. There are clear turning marks around the outer walls and on the flat base underside. Similar marks may be seen on the interior walls, while the centre of the base interior has a raised section with interior circular depression that is typical of objects hollowed out using a drill. The horn is a translucent caramel brown throughout (Pantone 465C). It is complete, with one crack running down the side from rim to mid body. The cup has a rim diameter of 75 mm, a base diameter of 40 mm, and is 87 mm high with a weight of 63.3 grams [RTS 25/8/2004].
Person
Field collector Frederick John Dealtry Lugard
PRM source Edward James Lugard
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1891
Date collected
1891
Acquisition information
Donated: 08/1949
Materials and processes
Material Rhino Horn Animal, Process Carved, Process Turned, Process Drilled
Dimensions
Height 87 mm, Diameter 40 mm base, Diameter: max 75 mm, Weight 63.3 g
Object numbers
Accession number: 1949.8.127
Research and responses

In 1891, Lugard was serving as the Administrator of Uganda [RTS 25/8/2004].

Compare this object to 1908.26.5, a rhinoceros horn cup from the Burun which was also believed to neutralise poisons. The inscription on that object commented: 'It is the general custom among Soudanese tribes to present to their friends these cups which are believed to nullify poisons in drinks. The gift is a mark of a special friendship & goodwill'. A comment on the amulets card add further: 'Rhinoceros-horn vessels are said to impart to water a specific virtue against scorpion bite'. The form of the Burun cup is more elaborate, with a pedestal foot [RTS 25/8/2004].

Material confirmed as Rhinoceros horn showing characteristic pigmentation and filament structure, by Dr Sonia O'Connor, University of Bradford on 7th April 2014. [AH 15/04/2014]

Search terms: Vessel, Religion, Food and Drink, Medicine, Cup, Food Accessory, Amulet, Medical Accessory

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