Nuer ox with trained horn
205 x 155 mm | Print gelatin silver
Date of Print:
Unknown
Previous PRM Number:
EP.N.367
Accession Number:
1998.346.367
Description:
A close-up image of an ox with light colouring and exhibiting the training of the left horn over the muzzle known as ma gut.
Such training of horns was a process carried out by Nuer men on their favourite beasts by cutting away at one side of the horn, against which the horn grows to obtain an aesthetically pleasing shape.
This training is mirrored in the male practice of binding the left arm with metal bands called thiau, both of which are often carried out soon after initiation.
The favourite ox of a man was the subject of his praise songs and from whom he took his ox-name on initiation and thereby his social identity as a man of the tribe.
This image was probably taken among the Eastern Jikany Nuer by F.
D.
Corfield, District Comissioner at Nasir on the Sobat River in Upper Nile Province during Evans-Pritchard's fieldwork.
Photographer:
Frank D. Corfield
Date of Photo:
1931-1935
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Upper Nile
Group:
Nuer ?Eastern Jikany
Publication History:
Contemporary Publication - Reproduced as Plate XIII (facing page 256) in E.
E.
Evans-Pritchard's
Nuer Religion
(Oxford University Press 1974 [1957]) with the caption 'Ox with trained horn'.
[CM 2/9/2005]
PRM Source:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Acquired:
Donated 1966
Other Owners:
E. E. Evans-Pritchard Collection. Probably given to Evans-Pritchard by Frank D. Corfield
Class:
Animal Husbandry
Keyword:
Animal Cattle
Documentation:
Original catalogue lists in Manuscript Collections. Additional material in related documents files. [CM 27/9/2005]
Primary Documentation:
Accession Book Entry: [p.
98] 1966.27 [1 - 24] G[ift] PROFESSOR E.
E.
EVANS-PRITCHARD; INST.
OF SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY, 51 BANBURY RD.
OXFORD 1966.27.17 S.
SUDAN.
NUER TRIBE.
Box of negatives each in separate envelope, labelled.
(some missing).
Nos.
1 - 213.
(prints in box 1966.27.18)...1966.27.18 S.
SUDAN.
NUER TRIBE.
Box of prints each in separate envelope.
Nos.
1 - 213.
(negatives in 1966.27.17.)
Note on print reverse ms pencil - "[numerous printer's marks]"
Note on print reverse ms pencil - "[numerous printer's marks]"
Recorder:
Christopher Morton [12/5/2004] [Southern Sudan Project]
