Belt - 37-22-103 | Collections

Object Number:	37-22-103
Current Location:	Collections Storage
Culture:	Sherbro
Provenience:	Sierra Leone Sherbro Island Sitia Chiefdom Yoni
Section:	African
Materials:	Fiber Reed (plant)
Credit Line:	Expedition to Sierra Leone, West Africa; Henry Usher Hall, 1937
Other Number:	23 - Collector Number

Description

Seven-ply loop of flexible cane-like withe used to support the body when climbing the oil palms, the feet being braced against the stem of the palm, and the loop hitched up along the stem as the climber ascends. The part which encircles the tree is wrapped with old fishing net to prevent the loop from slipping. Ntil is the name given to the device from the withe or cane of which it is made.