Snuff Container Item Number: K5.27 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Snuff container in the form of an ox with a rough, studded body. The ox has long thin horns and small tail. A hole at the centre of the forehead that opens to a cavity inside the body of the ox.
History Of Use
For carrying snuff.
Specific Techniques
Blood and tissues scraped from the lining of an animal are mixed with a small amount of ochre or powdered clay to form a stiff paste. The paste is then spread over a pre-prepared clay model. When dry, a hole is cut for the opening of the snuff-box. The clay core is then removed through this opening.
Narrative
Provenance unknown, however the piece is thought to have originated from a South Nguni group: Xhosa, Mfengu, Mpondo, Mpondomise, Hlubi, Bhaca, Bomvana or Thembu people.
Item History
- Made in South Africa
- Owned by British Museum before August 1960
- Received from British Museum (Exchanger) during August 1960
What
- Name
- Snuff Container
- Identification Number
- K5.27
- Type of Item
- container
- Material
- clay ?, blood, ochre pigment ? and intestine
- Overall
- height 8.5 cm, width 5.9 cm, depth 10.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Nguni
- Previous Owner
- British Museum
- Received from
- British Museum (Exchanger)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- South Africa
When
- Ownership Date
- before August 1960
- Acquisition Date
- during August 1960
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0022/0113