Snuff Container

1800s–1900s
Overall: 7.5 cm (2 15/16 in.)
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Did You Know?

The snuff and tobacco held in this container were believed to enable communication between humans and ancestors.

Description

The shape and material of gourd snuff containers—like a woman’s womb, the gourd contains and nurtures the seed—suggest they were made for female users and allude to procreation and fecundity.
Snuff Container

Snuff Container

1800s–1900s

Africa, Southern Africa, South Africa, Zimbabwe or Mozambique, Northern Nguni-style or Shona-style maker

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