Snuff Container (Tesa Ya Ma Kanya)
Arts of Africa
About this Brooklyn Icon
The Brooklyn Museum is commemorating its 200th anniversary by spotlighting 200 standout objects in its encyclopedic collection.
Snuff, or finely ground tobacco, entered the market of Central Africa’s western coast in the 16th century through Portuguese and Dutch traders. In the regions that now encompass modern-day Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chokwe woodworking artists, or songi, carved intricate sculptures that doubled as containers or mortars for snuff. Acquired in 1922, this example was one of the first African objects to enter into the Brooklyn Museum’s holdings.
Made of wood and adorned with beads or upholstery studs, such objects would often be commissioned by Chokwe rulers for use as stylish serving tools at important occasions. Strategically, distinctive snuff containers represented wealth and status both to members of elite circles and to foreigners, which actively contributed to Chokwe superiority.
This container depicts a royal female ancestor seated on a chief’s throne with an elaborate coiffure and brass earrings. The figure holds her breast as a symbolic reference to nurturing the chiefdom. While these elements represent characteristic Chokwe traits of mythological spirituality, ancestor veneration, and elite adornment, the four-legged, backed chair reveals a European influence: it resembles folding chairs brought to the regions by the Portuguese and Dutch.
The Brooklyn Museum is commemorating its 200th anniversary by spotlighting 200 standout objects in its encyclopedic collection.
Snuff, or finely ground tobacco, entered the market of Central Africa’s western coast in the 16th century through Portuguese and Dutch traders. In the regions that now encompass modern-day Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chokwe woodworking artists, or songi, carved intricate sculptures that doubled as containers or mortars for snuff. Acquired in 1922, this example was one of the first African objects to enter into the Brooklyn Museum’s holdings.
Made of wood and adorned with beads or upholstery studs, such objects would often be commissioned by Chokwe rulers for use as stylish serving tools at important occasions. Strategically, distinctive snuff containers represented wealth and status both to members of elite circles and to foreigners, which actively contributed to Chokwe superiority.
This container depicts a royal female ancestor seated on a chief’s throne with an elaborate coiffure and brass earrings. The figure holds her breast as a symbolic reference to nurturing the chiefdom. While these elements represent characteristic Chokwe traits of mythological spirituality, ancestor veneration, and elite adornment, the four-legged, backed chair reveals a European influence: it resembles folding chairs brought to the regions by the Portuguese and Dutch.
CULTURE
Chokwe
MEDIUM
Wood, iron, fiber
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS
- Possible place made: Angola
- Possible place made: Bandundu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
DATES
19th century
DIMENSIONS
5 1/2 x 2 3/16 x 3 in. (14 x 5.5 x 7.6 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of Africa
ACCESSION NUMBER
22.1089
CREDIT LINE
Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Carved wooden snuff box, representing female figure seated on edge of European-style chair. Hollowed body used to hold snuff; head and neck provided stopper. Female wears large earrings of 3 iron chain links in right ear, and anklets above feet. Well patinated; shows signs of use.
Condition: Good
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Chokwe. Snuff Container (Tesa Ya Ma Kanya), 19th century. Wood, iron, fiber
, 5 1/2 x 2 3/16 x 3 in. (14 x 5.5 x 7.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.1089. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.1089_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 22.1089_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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