Unrecorded artist, N.Nguni Peoples

Notes

Finely carved snuff spoon with a masterfully carved deep bowl, demonstrating the refinement and balance characteristic of southern African personal adornments. The cross-hatching and incised designs, rubbed with soot or contrasting pigment, lend subtle decoration to its surface. Used to scoop small amounts of powdered tobacco for inhalation, such spoons were often worn in the hair, suspended on a thong, or attached to a snuff container — serving as both practical implements and ornaments of personal distinction.

Provenance

Colin Sayers Collection.