Rhodesia: Bavenda Divining Bowl Medallic Reproduction
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Form:
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Circular. Concave shallow bowl.
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By:
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Frank Reid / Books of Rhodesia Publishing Co. (Pvt.) Ltd. |
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Date:
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1981-1982 |
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Ref:
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Laidlaw: 1306;
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Variations:
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| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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| 44.6 mm | Pure Silver | 46.9 gm | $45 | | 44.5 mm | Darkened yellow bronze | 34.6 gm | $10 |
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Edge:
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Plain. Depth of bowl ~ 7 mm
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Obverse:
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Crocodile, upwards in the center base of the bowl. Legend round the rim of the bowl, animal symbols and hieroglyphics.
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Reverse:
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Line patterns on base on bowl. Legend on rim above, incused: "© BOOKS OF RHODESIA LIMITED EDITION". Stamped at the foot with the issue number. This silver medal: "S/221"; bronze medal "B/475". Silver medal stamped: "SILVER" with sable antelope hallmark.
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Notes:
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Silver medal comes in a black fitted case lined on the inside with blue velvet-like material and while silk-like material. Both medals come with a descriptive certificate with the issue number hand written stating a maximum issue of 1,000 for each metal type.
The original wooden platter was found in a cave near the ruins of Great Zimbabwe in the late 1800s. It measured 14¾ inches in diameter with a depth of 3 inches. The animal decorations and cultural symbols directly link it the people who lived in Great Zimbabwe. It is believed that divination came from watching where floating grass seeds touched the symbols on the rim. Cecil Rhodes took the platter back to Cape Town where is it now housed at the Groote Schuur Museum.
The miniature reproductions were cast by Frank Reid in 1981/2 with permission of Groote Schuur and sold through Books of Rhodesia Publishing Company of Bulawayo.
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