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Pipes appear to have been made in all parts of Africa by the early 1600s, soon after the introduction of tobacco. African artists--working with clay or wood--have created pipes with simple lines, elaborately shaped and decorated pipes, and pipes that seem to have been intentionally created for whimsy or humor. Pipes with clay bowls and wooden stems echoing European styles are most common, although wooden pipes with metal-lined bowls are also in widespread use. Tobacco is readily shared among friends, but pipes are generally owned and used by individuals.
The exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated, 32 page catalog written by the chief curator, Phillip Ravenhill.
Pipe in the form of a female figure
South Sotho or Southern Nguni peoples, South Africa
Wood
37 x 13.9 cm (14 9/16 x 5 1/2 in)
89-14-16, museum purchase
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