Somali Artifacts

“Soo maal” (with soo meaning "go" and maal meaning "milk") reflects the Somali tradition of hospitality, where offering milk is a welcoming gesture. Many Somali artifacts capture this spirit of generosity and connection to pastoral life. Scroll through the gallery to explore the collection of items.

  • image of vessel

    Hann/Aagaan iyo Janjal

    Hann is a milk container that Somali nomads use and its frame. The container is waterproof and can preserve milk for two days.

  • image of vessel

    Dhiil

    Dhiil is a container that nomadic Somalis have used to collect milk and meat for generations. It is not made of clay; it is made of a special tree named Qabo tree. This container has been very useful to Somali for centuries.

  • image of vessel

    Dhiil caannood

    Milk container

  • image of vessel

    Dhiil Qaba

    Woven milk vessel

  • image of vessel

    Hadhuub Gori ah

    Wooden milk vessel

  • image of vessel

    Hadhuub Gori ah

    Wooden milk vessel

  • image of bowl and spoon

    Hoori / Kubri & Fandhaal

    Dish and spoon

  • image of dish

    Hoori / Kubri

    Dish

  • image of woven basket

    Masaf/Xaarin

    This basket is used to separate impure particles from maize, particularly in the Southern regions of Somalia because farming is almost non-existent in the drier North.

  • image of broom

    Xaaqin/Mafiiq

    This broom is made from the leftovers of Caw. This is a brush used for sweeping the house or hut.

  • image of flag-shaped fan

    Babis

    A Somali hand-held fan made from Caw.

  • image of a comb

    Saqaf

    A Somali comb. The original name of this comb is Wafti.

  • image of wooden headrest

    Barkin

    A Somali headrest

  • Alool

    A handmade cover made of tree branches, clothes, plastics, and ropes. It takes months to make and alool-making is therapeutic process for Somalis. This alool with the wooden frame is for Aqual Soomaali (Somali hut).

  • image of woven bag

    Koryo/Qori

    A traditional Somali bag is typically handwoven from natural fibers. The bag is often decorated with colorful patterns.