Artwork Page for Snuff Container

Details / Information for Snuff Container

Snuff Container

1800s–1900s

Africa, Southern Africa, South Africa, Northern Nguni-style maker

Medium
Wood, glass beads, shell, and cotton
Measurements
Overall: 20.3 cm (8 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.201
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
108B Southern African
Print
?

Did You Know?

A man likely made the wooden container while a woman likely made the beaded attachment.

Description

Combining beauty and functionality, this finely carved wooden snuff container is adorned with twisted strands of colorful glass beads. Once an object of status, it signaled the wealth and taste of its owner. Its general shape and the parallel ridges appear to be the skillful imitation of a fruit. Throughout southern Africa and elsewhere on the continent, smoking tobacco and taking snuff are enjoyed as activities that enhance positive social relationships. Both men and women wore these personal and portable objects attached to cloaks, carried in bags, or adorning the neck, arm, or waist.
A dark wood vessel features a body of deep vertical ridges that flare slightly toward the base. At the top, a small flared neck rises abruptly. Below, a long, multi-strand tassel of twisted glass beads hangs from the wood. A vibrant red segment transitions into a shorter section of forest green, separated by bands of black and white beads. At the bottom, a frayed cluster of beige cotton strings completes the form.

Snuff Container

1800s–1900s

Africa, Southern Africa, South Africa, Northern Nguni-style maker

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork