akgitum (Container)

Fat container (akgitum or abur) used by women for storing animal fat for domestic and cosmetic use. Types of fat stored in the containers are: emunyen, butterfat (akidetet), ghee (akimet), and bone marrow (akimet a akoit). Emunyen (goat or cattle fat mixed with ochre) is used by women for decorative purposes, moisturizing, relieving chafing, and preventing body lice. Necklaces are also coated in it. Butterfat and ghee are used as a calorie-dense source of key nutrients and minerals. It could be stored for longer portions of time, and could be eaten on its own or used in preparation of other foods; bone marrow was particularly nutritious. Fat from butchered animals was also stored in these containers, and could be heated to be used as a cooking oil.

storage; transportation

The wood used is likely from the species delonix elata, called ekuruchanait by the Turkana people. The skin composing the lid, bottom of the container, and handles of the container would have been harvested through the process of akiyeng, meaning "to skin with a knife". The skin was likely bound to the wood with the use of a thick needle used in leather working, called an emutu or ngimutun. Skin with fur still attached to it is known as elou or ngiloui. These skills are mostly known to women since they are the principal creators of containers.

Container (part a) of orange-red brown wood. Bulbous-shaped that has a rounded lower half with narrow neck. Hide with hair is still on, covering the bottom, connected by four thin pieces to ring of hide around the neck of the container. Has a small hide strap handle connected to two straps on top of the ring of leather. Lid (part b) is also made of hide with a vertical slit going up one side.