Zande cord signifying mourning
104 x 78 mm | Negative film nitrate
There are records relating to alternative images that we do not have scans for in the database:
1998.341.94.2 - Print gelatin silver , (104 x 78 mm)
1998.341.94.2 - Print gelatin silver , (104 x 78 mm)
Date of Print:
Unknown
Previous PRM Number:
EP.A.94
Previous Other Number:
31 2 [frame 12]
Accession Number:
1998.341.94.1
Description:
A tree known as bökepö in a garden with a cord bound around it as a sign of a homestead that is in mourning.
Photographer:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Date of Photo:
1927 - 1930
Region:
[Southern Sudan] Western Equatoria Yambio
Group:
Zande
PRM Source:
Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard
Acquired:
Donated 1966
Other Owners:
E. E. Evans-Pritchard Collection
Class:
Shelter , Religion , Death , Plant Use , Agriculture and Horticulture
Keyword:
Building House , Sign , Garden
Event:
Mortuary ritual Mourning
Documentation:
Original catalogue lists in Manuscript Collections. Additional material in related documents files. [CM 27/9/2005]
Primary Documentation:
PRM Accession Records - [1966.27.21] G PROFESSOR E.
E.
EVANS-PRITCHARD; INST.
OF SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY, 51 BANBURY RD.
OXFORD - S.
SUDAN, AZANDE TRIBE.
Box of negatives in envelopes.
Nos.
1 - 400
Added Accession Book Entry - [In pencil in column] Catalogue room.
[1966.27.23] G PROFESSOR E. E. EVANS-PRITCHARD; INST. OF SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY, 51 BANBURY RD. OXFORD - S. SUDAN, AZANDE TRIBE. Box of prints in envelopes, nos. 1 - 400 (prints of negatives in 1966.27.21)
Manual Catalogues [typewritten, entitled "Zande Photographs (E-P)"] - 94. Bökepö tree with mourning cords tied round it (in gardens). 31/2
Added Accession Book Entry - [In pencil in column] Catalogue room.
[1966.27.23] G PROFESSOR E. E. EVANS-PRITCHARD; INST. OF SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY, 51 BANBURY RD. OXFORD - S. SUDAN, AZANDE TRIBE. Box of prints in envelopes, nos. 1 - 400 (prints of negatives in 1966.27.21)
Manual Catalogues [typewritten, entitled "Zande Photographs (E-P)"] - 94. Bökepö tree with mourning cords tied round it (in gardens). 31/2
Other Information:
The only reference I have found to the practice of placing symbolic objects in trees for public display in connection with mourning, is in Witchcraft, Oracles and Magic Among the Azande (OUP 1937, page 544) where Evans-Pritchard states that 'when the oracle of the prince agrees with the oracle of the kinsmen vengeance is accomplished.
The wings of the fowls that have died in acknowledgement of their victory are hung up, with the barkcloth and sleeping mat of the boy who has observed taboos, on a tree at the side of a frequented path in public notification that the kinsmen have done their duty (see Plate XXXIV).' This practice is also referred to in F.
Gero's Death Among the Azande (Italy 1968: facing page 80) where the plate caption reads "Old clothes, belts, mats are hanged from the branch of a tree by a much frequented road, so that everyone may know that mourning for that person is ended: his death has been avenged." [Chris Morton 15/10/2003]
Recorder:
Christopher Morton 10/10/2003 [Southern Sudan Project]
