Zulu, Ithunga (milk pail)

Description

Zulu
Ithunga (milk pail)

South Africa, 20th century
carved wood
16 h x 6 dia in (41 x 15 cm)

This carved Zulu milk pail (ithunga), traditionally held between the knees while milking, features amasumpa motifs arranged in the characteristic amapuluho ("plough") pattern. The decoration symbolizes cattle, wealth, and female scarification, while the vessel's form alludes to the female body. In Zulu oral tradition, the ithunga is also associated with fertility and the womb.

Provenance: Lionel Finneran, South Africa | Private Collection

This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.

Condition

Good condition. Stable splits and cracks throughout. Base with small chips.

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Zulu, Ithunga (milk pail)

Lot 0248

Estimate $1,000-$2,000Aug 11, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT

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Aug 11, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT

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