Alms bowl (1) - Coco de Mer - Kashkul - Iran - Early 19th century

The Kashkul, not decorated, complete with hooks and suspension metal chain, was made with a part of the shell of the coco de Mer, originally from some islands of the archipelago of the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. This bowl for beggars was carried on the shoulder and contained donations given by devotees, mainly food, on which the Sufi dervishes and the wandering ascetics entrusted for their sustenance. They symbolised the emptying of the Sufi's ego through the renunciation of worldly goods and aspirations. A few signs of wear, but in perfect patina.