Snuff spoon (intshengula or izintshengula) with comb
Snuff spoon (intshengula or izintshengula) with comb
Snuff spoon (intshengula or izintshengula) with comb
Snuff spoon (intshengula or izintshengula) with comb

Currently not on view

Snuff spoon (intshengula or izintshengula) with comb,

20th century

Nguni artist
1998-675
Snuff, the inhalable form of tobacco, was a scarce commodity, and snuff usage was a sign of wealth. This spoon for taking snuff doubles as a comb, which also acts as a piece of decorative jewelry when not in use.
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More About This Object

New Discoveries in the Gallery of African Art

Information

Title
Snuff spoon (intshengula or izintshengula) with comb
Dates

20th century

Maker
Nguni artist
Medium
Probably horn, glass beads, plant fiber, and colorant
Dimensions
19.9 cm x 3.3 cm x 0.8 cm (7 13/16 x 1 5/16 x 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of John B. Elliott, Class of 1951
Object Number
1998-675
Place Made

Africa

Culture
African
Period
Nguni styles
Type
combs (grooming tools), combs (hair ornaments), snuff spoons
Materials
glass, plant fiber, thread, colorant, horn, beads
Techniques
carving
Subject
geometric patterns

John B. Elliott, New York, NY by 1987; Princeton University Art Museum, 1998

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