tobacco mortar in the form of a male figure
tobacco mortar in the form of a male figure
Culture
Chokwe people
Creation date
1880-1930
Materials
wood, leather, metal
Dimensions
H: 5 1/4 in.
Credit line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg
Accession number
1989.1223
Collection
Not Currently On View
This is an example of a personal item from Central Africa. Smoking tobacco or inhaling tobacco snuff into the nose is an everyday activity for both men and women. Tobacco pipes and mortars enhance everyday pleasure for both user and viewer. The surface of the tobacco mortar is so worn from daily use that the facial features of the figure have almost been rubbed off.
