Producer unknown to us
Bowl
Americas, Suriname (former Dutch Guiana)
1800–1867
Calabash, carved, painted
Gustav Friedrich Klemm (privy Councilor in Dresden, librarian) created a large systematic ethnographic collection through his branched network over the course of 40 years
Klemm’s collection was purchased by citizens of Leipzig in 1870 and generated the basis of the museum
SAm 722
This calabash bowl is decorated with carved and painted depictions of a star and Watramama holding a curved sword.
Watramama is not only a dance of the enslaved people of Suriname, but also a water spirit. The dance was feared by white colonists and was banned until the 20th century. It is considered the central element of the origin of the present-day Winti religion, practiced by the descendants of the enslaved people. The concept of Watramama as a water spirit can be traced back to various belief systems in West and Central Africa.
The collector Gustav Klemm (1802–1867) was a librarian, ethnologist, and prehistorian. He conducted research on the cultural history of humanity, ancient history, and cultural classifications. In the 19th century, the latter also served as the basis for racial theories. Through his wide scientific network, Klemm amassed a systematic ethnographic collection, preparing the way for a scientific collecting practice that went far beyond the methods of contemporary curiosity cabinets. His collection was purchased by Leipzig citizens in 1870 and served as the foundation for the museum.
Frank Usbeck