Moroccan Gun Powder Flask

This unusual gunpowder flask is from the Berber people of the middle Atlas mountains of Morocco. It has a ‘winged’ form that gives rise to a prominent conical body, and a long dispensing neck.

It comprises a wooden substructure that is covered with fine goat leather and then embellished with dozens of brass studs. Two engraved copper or bronze suspension rings are on either side.

A similar example, (then) in the Musee des Arts d’Afrique et d’Oceanie, Paris, is illustrated in Amel (1998, p. 23).

The flask has obvious age and wear. Only two small brass studs are missing but their loss is barely apparent amongst the profusion. The flask retains remnants of brass polish.