Zulu milk pail ‘ithunga’, South Africa

collected in Melmoth, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
15" tall x 9.5" wide
wood, pokerwork
mid 20th Century, definite signs of age and use
Ex NYC collection

Wooden milk pails have been commonly used among Zulu cultures since at least the mid-19th century. They are often carved with various types of motifs on one or both sides of the pail well below the neck. In the case of this wonderful vessel, the motif is a square section with rows of diamond shapes carved in relief that is present on both sides.

These vessels were not used for storing milk, they were only used for the collection of it. Milk was transferred into clay pots or calabash vessels where the milk was left to form sour milk, known as amasi. Once the milk was removed from the milk pail they were placed upside down on a pole to drain and dry out between milking sessions.

It is stated that women are discouraged from touching their husbands' milk pails because the milk pails are associated with cattle, and, through cattle, with their husbands' ancestors. This association would also account for milk pails being regarded as heirlooms and passed from one generation to the next.

Sold with a black wooden base. A quick photo of it on its current base is the very last one in the set.

$400 plus shipping

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