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Snuff Container

A work made of cattle horn, copper, brass, and iron.

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  • A work made of cattle horn, copper, brass, and iron.

Date:

Possibly mid–late 19th century

Artist:

Northern Nguni
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Eastern and Southern Africa

About this artwork

This snuff container made of cattle horn was worn by a high-ranking man as a pendant. Its material, shape, and use connect it to the spirit world. Cattle have been a primary source of wealth throughout southern Africa, playing a critical role in communications between the living and the dead. Tobacco was part of wedding gifts and also offered to the ancestors.

Status

On View, Gallery 137

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Northern Nguni

Title

Snuff Container

Place

South Africa (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1850–1899

Medium

Cattle horn, copper, brass, and iron

Dimensions

6 × 40 cm (2 3/8 × 15 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

African Decorative Arts Fund

Reference Number

2018.5

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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