The Shi are also known as the Omushi, Abashi, Amashi, Bashi, Banyabungu, Wanyabungu and Bahavu. We suspect there is  more to the origins to the Shi then what has been recorded and propose the Bechwana - Tswana peoples, as well as the Shona and / or related others, should not be discounted as part of the Shi's cultural mix. Consider the following;

1) In the early 1800's, Southern African tribes suffered through the Mfecane, Lifaqane, or Difaqane. It was a period of great upheaval and turmoil, brought on by wars and famine in the region. Many Southern African peoples fled and some most certainly traveled in the present day Shi area and beyond, some as far north as Lake Victoria.

2) There is a remarkable resemblance between Shi knives and scabbards, to those of 19th century Shona and Bechwana/Tswana manufacture. Ironsmiths of both the Shi and Shona produced blades that were “ogee in section” or “blood grooved”.

3) Wooden milk pails from the period show an amazing similarity to Tswana/Bechwana wooden containers, including the choice of lightweight wood decorated with specific chevron designed pokerwork. 

 4) Mention is made in 100 Peoples of Zaire and Their Sculpture that Shi plastic arts were somewhat limited to wooden containers and that they wore cowhide cloths. The Bechwana/Tswana peoples wooden objects were likewise very much limited to wooden containers and decorated knives. At the same time, most southern African peoples wore leather cloths, including the Bechwana/Tswana and Shona...

Shi wooden milk vessels were carved surprisingly thin. So thin that once it hand, you become startled to realize the extraordinary precision required to place the inner and outer circular forms so close to one another, one perfect surface nearly touching the other.

The precise "roundness" of their containers, made it possible for them to stand upright on sandy soil, after milk had been placed within, all thanks to amazing symmetry.

Related examples in the Biebuyck Family Collection

Shi milk containers include a spout, or an angled rim, which insured that milk was not lost when pouring. The effectiveness of this equaled that of a funnel. Those with structural supports (right) had the same spouts, which confirms the objects central market intention was for African usage.

A siphon or funnel example example is shown to the upper left and below.

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 The patina on this example is deep and the break which adds character is very old.

 

Many Shi items from the northern Lake Tanganyika region overlap with wooden items found in Western Zambia. The Nkoya people living there make use of related carved funnels.

 

 

 

 

Shi Milk Cup - Congo - Rwanda

 

Circa 1940's

 

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 Shi drank milk from wooden cups with carved angled lips for pouring.

 

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This small Shi cup is an excellent example of just such a multi purpose cup.

 

 

Another...

 

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The Shi milk cup above and below is almost double the size of the former.

 

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Shi Bowl or Milk Scoop

 

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This eloquently decorated Shi milk bowl or scoop was rediscovered in Beligum. We have not seen this form before and are certain it is quite special.

 

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We hope you have enjoyed this fine Shi presentation.

 

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