Tobacco Container Item Number: Aj120 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Small, pear-shaped container carved from one piece of wood with a leather lid and a long metal chain. Connected to the bottle on the centre and onto the lid by cotton cords. Also connected to the centre of the bottle on the opposite side. Centre has incised squares. Lines of blue, red, and white beads at the bottom knob. Lid has two lines of beads in red, green, blue, and white. Top of the lid has concentric rings of different colours. Smells of tobacco and has tobacco particles in it.
History Of Use
Tobacco or snuff bottle, worn by men around the neck. Carvers male. Beads hold symbolic significance, and often carry a message or proverb.
Cultural Context
utility; decoration; ceremonial
Item History
- Made in Kenya before 1978
- Collected during 1978
- Owned by Marta Friesen before March 3, 1981
- Received from Marta Friesen (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on March 3, 1981
What
- Name
- Tobacco Container
- Identification Number
- Aj120
- Type of Item
- container
- Material
- wood, cotton fibre, leather skin, glass and metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved, beaded, tied and sewn
- Overall
- height 7.0 cm, diameter 4.3 cm
Who
- Culture
- Maasai
- Previous Owner
- Marta Friesen
- Received from
- Marta Friesen (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Kenya
When
- Creation Date
- before 1978
- Collection Date
- during 1978
- Ownership Date
- before March 3, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on March 3, 1981
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0705/0021