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Catalog Data

Maker:
Sotho artist  Search this
Medium:
Horn
Dimensions:
H: 6 cm (2 3/8 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Lesotho
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
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 a more difficult form to create, being made of carved horn. It has been carved leaving a suspension hole on the side so it can be worn around the neck.
Description:
Ovoid horn snuff container with a vertical lug on the side and a conical stopper, in dark brown.
Provenance:
Dr. Werner Muensterberger, New York, ca. 1950-1980 to 1989
Exhibition History:
Art of the Personal Object, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., September 24, 1991-April 9, 2007
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
Topic:
Tobacco  Search this
male  Search this
Credit Line:
Museum purchase
Object number:
89-14-12
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source:
National Museum of African Art
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7891f036d-2aaa-4148-8190-c97973272445
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmafa_89-14-12