Quiver, Arrow, E57.34

Highly decorated leather quiver with cap for top of quiver - made of same material . Quiver is cylindrical and covered with short white hair (cow/goat/sheep?). (Quiver body is only part of quiver where hair has been left on the leather. Many long reddish/brown leather extensions hanging from main body of quiver. Quiver constructed of length of hollow bamboo completely encased in leather (with white hair). Leather appears to be of one piece tightly stretched over bamboo, pulled together and stitched running the full length of the quiver. A series (7) of braided leather (natural colour) bands - each made of 3 braided strands- are pulled tightly around the circumference of the quiver at regular intervals. These appear to serve several purposes - to strengthen the quiver - to provide decoration - and to serve as 'tie downs' for various other pieces of leather. 7 flat leather bands run the circumference of the quiver running in and out of numerous vertical slits made in the main leather covering.. The top of the quiver (at the mouth) is made of a series of rows of small leather strands again running through a series of vertical slits in the main leather covering. A flat thin narrow leather strap is attached near to the top and near to the bottom each by a braided leather strand. This is the main carrying strap for holding or placing over shoulder. The leather cap is attached by a narrow braided leather strand a short distance from the top. 16 narrow rectangular leather straps - bundled in 5 groups hang from the main body of the quiver. Each strap is incised with numerous geometrical patterns (on one side only of each strap) The quiver contains 13 bamboo arrows of varying lengths. Each arrow has the 'classic' double tanged arrowhead inserted into one end and securely tied in with extended thin wrappings of bamboo(?) strands. The arrow heads are of hammered/forged iron. The arrows are neither fletched nor notched. Both the quiver and arrows give the impression of having had extensive handling. The wear pattern on the quiver - one side from top to bottom nearly worn clear of hair - suggests it has been extensively worn/carried in one position. NOTE: Uncatalogued item: Has general appearance of a short, fat sausage with tapered ends and bent into a 'U' shape. The item is of leather, with heavy patina of wear, presenting a dark brown colour. Made of leather with seams joined and sewn along 'outside' of the 'U'. Type of stuffing to give it shape is unknown. One end of 'U' has a twisted leather loop attached for 'latching' over the other end of the 'U', which is a length of thin, narrow dyed red leather wrapped several times around itself to form a 'knob'.

Likely "Hausa". (Suggest the likelihood that item was collected in Northern Nigeria in the "1927-1928 general prospecting in Nigeria…" period. NOTE: UNCATALOGUED ITEM: IF it is intended to be with quiver than is likely Hausa.

Leather: cow/goat/sheep(?). Bamboo, iron. NOTE: Uncatalogued item. Leather and string (cotton?) and stuffed with??

Quiver for holding arrows. Arrows for hunting (small game). Hausa and Fulani were/are excellent horsemen. Quivers of this type were likely used by horsemen in war. Today such quivers are mostly used for show/ceremonies and sold to tourists. The arrows are still made for use in hunting. NOTE: IF uncatalogued item is intended as part of 'kit' along with quiver then actual use of this item is unclear. It appears: 1) to be very well made, 2) to have a 'locking' string and attachment for wrapping around something. Perhaps a bow?,Perhaps a wrist? 3) To have been frequently handled.

Highly decorated leather quiver with cap for top of quiver - made of same material . Quiver is cylindrical and covered with short white hair (cow/goat/sheep?). (Quiver body is only part of quiver where hair has been left on the leather. Many long reddish/brown leather extensions hanging from main body of quiver. Quiver constructed of length of hollow bamboo completely encased in leather (with white hair). Leather appears to be of one piece tightly stretched over bamboo, pulled together and stitched running the full length of the quiver. A series (7) of braided leather (natural colour) bands - each made of 3 braided strands- are pulled tightly around the circumference of the quiver at regular intervals. These appear to serve several purposes - to strengthen the quiver - to provide decoration - and to serve as 'tie downs' for various other pieces of leather. 7 flat leather bands run the circumference of the quiver running in and out of numerous vertical slits made in the main leather covering.. The top of the quiver (at the mouth) is made of a series of rows of small leather strands again running through a series of vertical slits in the main leather covering. A flat thin narrow leather strap is attached near to the top and near to the bottom each by a braided leather strand. This is the main carrying strap for holding or placing over shoulder. The leather cap is attached by a narrow braided leather strand a short distance from the top. 16 narrow rectangular leather straps - bundled in 5 groups hang from the main body of the quiver. Each strap is incised with numerous geometrical patterns (on one side only of each strap) The quiver contains 13 bamboo arrows of varying lengths. Each arrow has the 'classic' double tanged arrowhead inserted into one end and securely tied in with extended thin wrappings of bamboo(?) strands. The arrow heads are of hammered/forged iron. The arrows are neither fletched nor notched. Both the quiver and arrows give the impression of having had extensive handling. The wear pattern on the quiver - one side from top to bottom nearly worn clear of hair - suggests it has been extensively worn/carried in one position. NOTE: Uncatalogued item: Has general appearance of a short, fat sausage with tapered ends and bent into a 'U' shape. The item is of leather, with heavy patina of wear, presenting a dark brown colour. Made of leather with seams joined and sewn along 'outside' of the 'U'. Type of stuffing to give it shape is unknown. One end of 'U' has a twisted leather loop attached for 'latching' over the other end of the 'U', which is a length of thin, narrow dyed red leather wrapped several times around itself to form a 'knob'.

Indications that collector was in Northern Nigeria in 1927/1928 suggests item was made 1st quarter of 20th century. NOTE: IF uncatalogued item is part of quiver 'kit' then suggests item was made 1st quarter of 20th century.

Length of main quiver body = approx. 585mm (without cap). With cap = approx. 625mm. Length of 16 narrow straps varies between 974mm and 259 mm. Width of same straps varies between 90 mm and 30mm. Length of arrows varies between 590mm and 533mm. NOTE: Uncatalogued item. Length of 'U' (outside)= approx. 290mm. Diameter at thickest part of 'sausage' shape 'U' = approx. 31mm. —Joel A Vanderburg

Collected by: G Ulrich