Small circular recast aluminum pot with lid. The body of the pot sits on three legs and has two handles on either side. The lid is far more roughly shaped than the body and has a thin angular piece of metal as the lid handle. The pot is unpolished, relatively rough, and bears no marks of manufacture. On the underside it is possible to see where the casting was cut. It was likely made in West Africa.
- Catalog Number:
- 400641
- Object/Specimen Description:
- Specimen Count:
- 2
- Precise Locality:
West Africa
- Locality:
- African Region
- Min/Max Dates:
- 20th century
- Collecting Locality:
- Africa
- Cabinet:
- 29
- Drawer/Shelf:
- 02
Baule woodcarvers at work, Yagolikro village, Ivory Coast
Photograph by Eliot Elisofon, 1972. Image no. EEPA EECL 6900. Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution
Humans have always manipulated their environment, whether by acquiring food, making and using tools, or other aspects of daily life. They are constantly interacting with their environment on a daily basis. By using the available materials, humans have created shelter, made tools, created containers and vessels, and produced items of personal and cultural significance. Many of these resources are naturally occurring, such as stones, minerals, animal bones, or organic fibers from plants, while others are made from combining materials. The process of acquiring these materials and the manufacturing process can be traditional practices that are passed down from one generation to another. Because materials are unique to the location of different communities and cultures, by studying the types of materials, as well as animal remains found and the processes used to manipulate them, anthropologists and researchers can learn about the daily activities and lifestyles of the cultures they are studying. In what ways do you interact with your environment on a daily basis?