Kuba Medicinal Clyster - Congo

 

 

Land & Volker von ANGOLA - Plate 30

 

According to Wikipedia

 

Clyster (also spelled in the 17th Century, `glister') is an old-fashioned word for enema, more particularly for enemas administered using a clyster syringe — that is, a syringe with a rectal nozzle and a plunger. Clyster syringes were used from the 17th century (or before) to the 19th century, when they were largely replaced by enema bulb syringes, bocks, and bags.
 

 

 

 Schachtzabel Im Hochland Von Angola Page 036

 

Con't. The patient was placed in an appropriate position (kneeling, with the buttocks raised, or lying on the side); some servant or apothecary would then insert the nozzle into the anus and depress the plunger, resulting in the liquid remedy (generally, water, but also some preparations) being injected into the colon.
 

 

 

 

Calabashes were the most common type of  clyster used in Africa. Our old example is made of wood which  developed a fine patina from use. It displays a stunning hard to carve form and is finely decorated.

 

The Kuba peoples made clysters and decorated them as they would their prestige objects such as wine cups. The widespread use and distilling of palm wine suggests that clysters may have been used to inject wine into the colon, as part of the medicinal mix. The effect is so immediate and powerful that it is almost hallucinogenic.
 

Palm wine usage dates back to ancient tribal folklore. Emil Torday recorded (1900-1909) that there was once a lake filled with palm wine out of which everyone drank. A woman polluted it, and when people refused to drink, the lake dried up and palm trees grew in the lake bed. A pygmy tasted the sap of the tree and discovered the palm wine, then became drunk.

 

 

 

Jose Redinha - Dondo Museum - Angola

 

 

This prestige Mbunda food bowl demonstrates how a clyster is used and confirms widespread tribal use.

 

Receiving an enema was not socially offensive, nor something inappropriate to depict on such items as calabashes, carved figures, or food bowls. Clysters ranked as status and often were there to impress.

 

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