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Catalog Data

Maker:
Xhosa artist  Search this
Medium:
Wood, iron, plant fiber
Dimensions:
H x W: 24.1 x 10.1 cm (9 1/2 x 4 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
South Africa
Date:
Late 19th-early 20th century
Label Text:
A great variety of wooden pipes are found in the southeastern region of South Africa, particularly in the Transkei, and can generally be attributed to the Xhosa peoples. Often carved in the form of animals, humans or vehicles with spoked wheels, these pipes are given as wedding presents or as gifts to maintain social or kinship ties. They can become prized family heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next and are only used on special occasions.
Description:
Wood pipe with tall cylindrical bowl lined with iron. A plant fiber loop circles the stem.
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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:
89-14-18
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/ys712ed5881-f8d3-48f7-99f2-c7a4e3c3e406
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmafa_89-14-18