Unrecorded artist, N.Nguni Peoples

Notes

Gourds like these were made across Southern Africa by Zulu, Shona, Tsonga, and other peoples. The work may vary between groups, but this has not been established.

Delicate decorative and geometric patterns are created by inserting short pieces of brass or other wire, as staples of varying lengths, into the surface of the container. These snuff gourds were treasured personal possessions, used for holding and sharing powdered tobacco — a practice that has been part of southern African life since tobacco’s introduction in the 16th century.

Provenance

Colin Sayer Collection.