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. The curved horn form of this container is typically associated with the Nyamwezi people. The artist has taken advantage of the natural color of the horn and has left a projecting suspension hole on the side of the container. The container is made of two pieces of horn and the bottom is attached to the body with five wooden pegs.
Description:
Cylindrical horn container with a narrow neck and a suspension lug on the shoulder. The container is made of two pieces of horn and the bottom is attached to the body with five wooden pegs.
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
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