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Snuff Container
late 19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Snuff, a preparation of powdered and processed tobacco, has been widely used in Africa since Europeans introduced tobacco in the 16th century. Used in social situations, snuff was usually carried in a small container, such as this gourd which is missing its wooden stopper. Snuff containers are among the most personal objects produced in southern Africa. Being discreet but portable tokens of status, snuff containers were worn as accessories by both men and women. The value of this container is highlighted by the use of fine brass and copper wire in its decoration. Copper was not available locally to the Zulu people and had to be traded for.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Gourd container with brass and steel wire decoration |
| Brief description | Snuff container, gourd with brass and steel wire decoration, South Africa, late 19th century |
| Physical description | Snuff container made of gourd decorated (wholly) with brass and steel wire. Missing stopper. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Edmond Dresden |
| Object history | NB In South Africa the word "Kaffir" has been used as a strongly derogatory term for black Africans. The term is repeated here in its original historical context. Accessions register entry - 'Gourd covered with a close spiral plaiting of fine brass and steel wire. / Globular with a small hole at the top. / South African (Kaffir). Diam. 31/8in. H.2 1/4in.' Displayed in "V and A Africa: Exploring Hidden Histories" 15th November 2012- 3rd February 2013 |
| Summary | Snuff, a preparation of powdered and processed tobacco, has been widely used in Africa since Europeans introduced tobacco in the 16th century. Used in social situations, snuff was usually carried in a small container, such as this gourd which is missing its wooden stopper. Snuff containers are among the most personal objects produced in southern Africa. Being discreet but portable tokens of status, snuff containers were worn as accessories by both men and women. The value of this container is highlighted by the use of fine brass and copper wire in its decoration. Copper was not available locally to the Zulu people and had to be traded for. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 254-1904 |
About this object record
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| Record created | August 28, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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