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

Snuff Container

INV-2416

Northern Nguni KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Eastern and Southern AfricaPossibly mid–late 19th century

Snuff Container

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

nguniArts of Africaafrican ArtEastern and Southern Africasnuff bottlearts of Africa

Date

Possibly mid–late 19th century

Medium

Cattle horn, copper, brass, and iron

Dimensions

10.2 × 40.1 × 7.7 cm (4 × 15 3/4 × 3 in.)

Museum

Art Institute of Chicago

Location

Chicago, IL

Credit

African Decorative Arts Fund

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.

Also notable

Works in the same vein

Headrest (Isicamelo)

Zulu South Africa

Woman's Hat (Isicholo)

Zulu South Africa Eastern and Southern Africa

Lidded Container

Attributed to Unobhadule (active mid- to late 19th century) Northern Nguni KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Eastern and Southern Africa

Vessel for Serving Beer

Northern Nguni, probably Zulu South Africa Eastern and Southern Africa