Aug 25, 2010

Snuff Container

Snuff Container

1800s–1900s

Gourd and copper alloy

Overall: 7.5 cm (2 15/16 in.)

Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 2010.200

Did you know?

The snuff and tobacco held in this container were believed to enable communication between humans and ancestors.

Description

The shape and material of gourd snuff containers—like a woman’s womb, the gourd contains and nurtures the seed—suggest they were made for female users and allude to procreation and fecundity.

See also
Collection: 
African Art
Department: 
African Art
Type of artwork: 
Vessels

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