It is likely that the unusual form of this snuff container was achieved by heating and bending the horn into shape to give the container the pronounced central ridge . The head has been carved with the spout resembling the open mouth. The eyes have been inserted with a lighter colour horn each with a dark dot centre. The flattened base has been carved from a fine flat thin section of dark colour horn that has been held neatly in place by a series of fine metal and horn pens. A similar example, although figurative, is published in The Art of Southeast Africa (p.77).
Estimated Period: Early 20th Century
Ex Private Collection, UK
Length: 16cm
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