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Zulu meat tray (Ugqoko), South Africa
5" tall x 28" long x 13 3/4 wide
wood, pigment
mid 20th Century, definite signs of age and use
From the South African Collection of Pucker Gallery, Boston, MA
$1500
Inventory # SA775
A very large and visually interesting example from the top and the bottom. The bowl surface on the top has an
interesting dark pattern running through the middle of it while the rather geometric design on the back is unusual
and nice.
Volume-wise, this example is much larger than the other 3 examples being offered. Larger platters held larger
quantities of meat for communal distribution on special occasions.
5" tall x 28" long x 13 3/4 wide
wood, pigment
mid 20th Century, definite signs of age and use
From the South African Collection of Pucker Gallery, Boston, MA
$1500
Inventory # SA775
A very large and visually interesting example from the top and the bottom. The bowl surface on the top has an
interesting dark pattern running through the middle of it while the rather geometric design on the back is unusual
and nice.
Volume-wise, this example is much larger than the other 3 examples being offered. Larger platters held larger
quantities of meat for communal distribution on special occasions.
The styles and sizes of meat platters, called ugqoko, are varied. Generally they consist of one large rectangular
bowl with rounded corners flanked on each end by handles. More uncommon examples consist of two round
bowls with a tray in the middle which it has been said to hold salt. Most have decorations carved into the
underside of the platter, the platters are often times placed upside down over another platter to act as a cover.
The platters were routinely smeared with the fat of ritually slaughtered animals which has been documented as
being associated with the idea of ancestral protection.
bowl with rounded corners flanked on each end by handles. More uncommon examples consist of two round
bowls with a tray in the middle which it has been said to hold salt. Most have decorations carved into the
underside of the platter, the platters are often times placed upside down over another platter to act as a cover.
The platters were routinely smeared with the fat of ritually slaughtered animals which has been documented as
being associated with the idea of ancestral protection.
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