What is this? What was it used for?

What is it made of, and why?

This is an Ethiopian agelgil, which is used as a container for carrying food, just like a lunch box. The straps are used to make it easier to carry.

It is made from the hide of a goat, which is hardened into the shape of a basket with a lid. Can you guess why animal skin was used? Here's a hint: it gets hot during the day in some of Ethiopia's desert regions. So then, using a thick material like goat hide helped to protect the food from spoiling, making it last longer! This agelgil is on display at the Karshner Center now in the foyer exhibit, "Colors and Rhythms of Africa." Come check it out!

For more information, visit:

• Artifact Worksheets you can use in your classroom or for homeschool
• Wikipedia:Culture of Ethiopia
• All about Ethiopian food