Tobacco and crushed-shell powder container – Turkana – Kenya – horn

Tobacco and crushed-shell powder container – Turkana – Kenya – horn, leather and fibre Details Origin: Kenya People: Turkana Type: Tobacco and crushed-shell powder container / personal snuff accessory Horn, leather, fibre, reused zipper element Dimensions: - Horn container: 7 cm high - Leather container: 10 cm high Period: second half of the 20th century Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner Custom display stand: not included Description A fine Turkana personal tobacco and snuff accessory from Kenya, composed of two connected elements: a small horn container and a leather pouch or receptacle. Objects of this type belonged to the personal equipment of the Turkana and were used in relation to tobacco and snuff. In this example, the horn container was intended for crushed shell powder, while the leather pouch was used to carry tobacco. The crushed shell powder could be mixed with tobacco or snuff before use. This example is especially appealing for its complete composite construction. The horn container has a compact cylindrical form, with a warm, dark translucent surface and a fitted hide cover. It is attached by leather and fibre elements to a second container made of leather. The leather pouch has a beautiful aged surface, with folds, wear and handling marks consistent with prolonged use. Its upper edge is finished with a reused zipper element. Its organic, sculptural form contrasts well with the more regular cylindrical shape of the horn container. The ensemble has a strong ethnographic presence, combining horn, hide and fibre in a practical and visually engaging object. The object is modest in scale but rich in detail, with a strong personal character and a very attractive usage patina. A very appealing Turkana tobacco and crushed-shell powder container, appreciated for its complete construction, honest wear, varied materials and strong ethnographic presence. Condition Good condition overall, with wear, abrasions, small cracks, marks, surface irregularities and age-related wear consistent with use. Horn, leather and fibre elements preserved. Beautiful old usage patina. Please refer to the photographs. Included The tobacco and crushed-shell powder container only. The display support shown in the photographs is not included.

Estimate:$168.19

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