What do you think this artifact is?

Where do you think it was made?

What is it made of?

This is a 'whisk' for swatting flies! It was made in Tanzania, a country in East Africa. As well as being one of the longest continually inhabited areas in the world, Tanzania is home to the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Tanzania is also home to the Serengeti, one of the most famous national parks in Africa.

The handle was made from ivory, and the brush is from the tail of a wildebeest (or gnu). The wildebeest is a type of large antelope found in Africa, known for their large, curved horns, shaggy mane, and distinctive facial features. Wildebeests are herbivores and graze on grasses and other vegetation. Every year in the Serengeti, over a million wildebeest, zebras, and other grazers migrate around in a circular pattern in search of fresh grazing grounds, creating a dramatic spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world.

For more information, visit:

• This artifact in the Karshner Digital Collections
• Artifact Worksheets you can use in your classroom or for homeschool
• Smithsonian: Human Origins
• African Wildlife Federation
• A Short History of Pest Management