Cleveland Museum of Art

Snuff Mortar (Tesa Ya Ma Kanya)

Date

late 1800s

Medium

Wood, upholstery studs, cloth, and metal

Culture

Africa, Central Africa, Angola or Democratic Republic of Congo, Chokwe carver

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Tobacco, introduced into Africa in the 16th century, became the prerogative of leaders. As patrons of the arts, Chokwe chiefs commissioned elaborate pipes and mortars as part of their court regalia for display during public gatherings.

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