Snuff, a preparation of powdered and processed tobacco, has been widely used in Africa since the Europeans introduced tobacco in the 16th century. Offered to visitors or shared among friends, snuff is usually carried in a small container made from a simple gourd or fruit shell. This container although similar in shape to a gourd, is carved out of wood, with a suspension loop on the side so it can be worn around the neck.
Description:
Spherical wood snuff container with a narrow neck and a reed stopper. A C-form suspension lug projects from the side with a copper loop. The container has an incised linear pattern on the body and braided copper wire on the neck.
Provenance:
Dr. Werner Muensterberger, New York, ca. 1950-1980 to 1989
Exhibition History:
The Art of Daily Life: Portable Objects from Southern Africa, Cleveland Museum of Art, April 17, 2011-February 26, 2012
Art of the Personal Object, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., September 24, 1991-April 9, 2007
Published References:
Petridis, Constantine. 2011. The Art of Daily Life: Portable Objects from Southern Africa. Cleveland: Cleveland Museum of Art; Milan: 5 Continents Editions, pp. 46, 100, no. 19.
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
