The Art of the Personal Object


Snuff, a preparation of powdered and processed tobacco, has been widely used in Africa since the 16th-century introduction of tobacco, a New World crop. Snuff is often offered to visitors or shared among friends. It is usually carried in a small container made from a simple gourd or fruit shell. Snuff containers are also carved from wood, horn, or ivory and may have elaborate decoration.

Snuff containers
Used by the Zulu peoples, South Africa, the Thonga peoples, or the Shona peoples, Mozambique and Zimbabwe
Hard fruit shell with copper, brass, and iron wire
H. 5.9 cm (2 5/16 in.)
89-8-27--30, acquisition grant from the James Smithson Society,

introduction introduction rest


Back to: NMAfA past exhibits