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 copper wire decoration |
| Brief description | Snuff container, gourd with brass and copper wire decoration, South Africa, late 19th century |
| Physical description | Snuff container made of gourd decorated with brass and copper wire. Missing stopper. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Edmond Dresden |
| Object history | Accessions register entry - 'Gourd decorated with fine brass and copper wire. / Globular with small hole at the top; the ornament includes four broad bands (brass) uniting two circles (copper) at top and bottom; the intervals are each filled with two lozenges (copper). / South African. / H. 2 1/4 in., diam. 2 3/4 in.' 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 | 253-1904 |
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| Record created | August 28, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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