Taita Snuff Box SB.1.137

Taita Snuff Box SB.1.137 Snuff box Snuffbox. Taita, Kenya. No 8. XIV.CC.5. Original list: “Taita. Snuff box. Leather, cow horn, aluminum. Man, elder, warrior” Long and thin brown snuffbox, portable, with two wicks; made from a section of animal horn with the ends wrapped by two sewn leather elements. The cap in the upper part is connected to the sheath in the lower part by means of a leather strap decorated with small aluminum plates. The cap is also fitted with an aluminum bail. The object has a strong smell of dried tobacco leaf. Containers of this type, commonly called “snuff box” were very often hunting trophies and prestigious objects which may contain snuff, but also other substances such as gunpowder, herbs or powders medicinal. “The tocacco leaf (…) is processed for snuff by being dried, crushed, and mixed with fat (and sometimes natron). Implemant for snuff-taking include special nose clips and small containers for carrying the snuff. (… Such containers are worn as ornaments and are treasured possessions “(EC Burt. Seattle Art Museum. 1985: 25). Category: Snuff box Material: Leather. Horn. Aluminum. Plant fiber Location: Kenya Size in Centimeters Length: 30 Width: 3.5 Height: 3.5