Small Horn Snuff Container – Kamba – Kenya – Green Glass...

Small Horn Snuff Container – Kamba – Kenya – Green Glass Beads Origin: Kenya People: Kamba Type: Traditional snuff container Materials: Horn, leather, glass beads, fibre, reused button Dimensions: Container approximately 6 cm high, excluding bead suspension Period: Probably second half of the 20th century Provenance: Personally collected in Kenya by the present owner in the early 1990s A charming small traditional Kamba snuff container from Kenya, made from dark horn and decorated with bright green and blue glass beads. Despite its modest dimensions, this personal object possesses considerable character and a particularly appealing combination of materials and colours. The body is carved from a section of dark horn, with a cylindrical upper part and a rounded, slightly bulbous lower section. Its surface displays a beautiful brown-black patina, with lighter areas revealing the natural structure of the material. A discreet incised geometric decoration runs around the shoulder of the container. The object is ornamented with numerous bright green glass beads, arranged around the body, along the suspension cords and at its lower extremity. A small cluster of vivid blue beads provides an attractive contrasting accent. The removable leather cover is fitted with a small button, apparently reused from an item of clothing, a charming detail illustrating the resourcefulness of traditional everyday craftsmanship. The beadwork is somewhat irregular, with visible fastening cords and traces of handling, giving the piece an appealing, genuinely personal character. A modest but attractive ethnographic object, appreciated for its compact form, contrasting materials, lively beadwork and softly aged surfaces. Cultural context Among the Kamba people of eastern Kenya, small personal containers were traditionally used for carrying tobacco snuff. According to the National Museums of Kenya, snuff was prepared from tobacco leaves that were fermented, dried and finely ground. The use of snuff was particularly associated with older men and women and formed part of everyday social and leisure practices. Small containers made from horn or other locally available materials were practical accessories, easily carried and often decorated with beads, leather and simple geometric motifs. The present example illustrates this tradition of personal objects, combining practical function with individual decorative expression. A Personal Note This little snuff container makes absolutely no claim to grandeur, and that is precisely why we love it. Its cheerful green beads, a few unexpected touches of blue and that wonderfully resourceful recycled button give it an irresistible personality. A humble, honest object, made with care, ingenuity and perhaps a little sense of humour. Condition Good overall condition for a traditional object of this type and presumed age. The horn displays surface wear, small scratches, abrasions and attractive old patination. The leather cover is preserved, with wear and irregularities consistent with age. The green and blue glass bead decoration is largely preserved, with variations in arrangement, minor wear and some exposed fastening threads. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description. Included The snuff container with its leather cover and beaded suspension. The transparent photographic support is not included in the sale.

Estimate:£142.19

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