2013.15 Proverb pot lid (taampha)

A snake wrapped around a woman it is beginning to swallow is carved in high relief on the surface of this wooden disk. A spiral shell and a seedlike object complete this intriguing composition. 

Essentially a decorative cover for an earthenware bowl, proverb lids (mataampha; sing. taampha) also facilitate nonverbal communication among family members through their proverbial imagery. Woyo used proverb pot lids to express feelings, or to scold or advise a spouse or children in specific situations. If there was a disagreement between spouses, the wife would express her adverse opinion at mealtimes by bringing her husband's food in a bowl covered with an appropriate lid. He would get the message without her having to say a word. This one expresses, "A python swallowed someone, but we only heard about it," advising one to be wary of rumors. The other images advise the viewer not to hold a grudge and to reconcile disputes. 

Proverb lids were valued as works of art and made to order by local sculptors in consultation with an nkotikunda, a master of Woyo proverbs and their imagery. In addition to restoring domestic harmony, pot lids endorsed the status of chiefs, provided a visual record of historical events, communicated declarations of war, and served as reminders of debts.

Late 1960s: Jacques Hautelet

n.d.: Bronson Collection, Los Angeles

1994-2013: Joel and Zachary Cooner Collection, Dallas, Texas

2013: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from above [1]

The main source for this provenance is the Acquisition Proposal in the Collections Records object file (2013.15). Exceptions and supporting documents are noted.

[1] See the copy of the invoice dated April 26, 2013, in the Collections Records object file (2013.15).

Apply to objects where number equals 2013.15