Snuff Accessory / Crushed-Shell Powder Container – Turkana – Kenya – Pelican Bone – 11.5 cm Origin: Kenya People: Turkana Type: Traditional container for crushed-shell powder, associated with tobacco snuff Materials: Pelican bone (traditional attribution), leather, braided fibre cord Dimensions: Length 11.5 cm Period: Presumably mid-20th century Provenance: Personally collected in Kenya by the present owner in the early 1990s A charming small Turkana personal container from northern Kenya, traditionally associated with the storage of finely crushed shell powder used together with tobacco snuff. Measuring only 11.5 cm in length, this example is particularly appealing for its elegant simplicity, compact construction and beautifully aged materials. The main body consists of a hollow section of pale bone, traditionally identified as pelican bone, displaying warm ivory-coloured tones, subtle natural variations and gentle traces of handling. One end is fitted with a closely shaped leather covering, while the opposite end is closed by a removable cylindrical stopper of richly patinated brown leather. A neatly braided fibre cord connects the stopper to the main body, preventing its loss and contributing to the functional elegance of the object. The contrast between the smooth pale bone, the darker leather elements and the textured fibre cord gives the piece a particularly attractive visual presence. Despite its modest dimensions, the container possesses a strong ethnographic character, illustrating the ingenuity and refinement found in traditional objects of personal everyday use. Cultural context Among the Turkana pastoral communities of northern Kenya, tobacco snuff formed part of personal and social practices. Small portable containers were used to carry tobacco and associated substances, including alkaline additives traditionally prepared from crushed shells or other mineral materials. These substances could be used together with powdered tobacco. Containers made from sections of hollow animal bone or horn were especially suitable for carrying small quantities of powder. Leather fittings and removable stoppers helped secure the contents, while cords allowed the different elements to remain together. The present example belongs to this tradition of highly functional personal accessories, combining readily available materials with simple, effective construction. Comparable Turkana snuff containers are preserved in ethnographic museum collections, including the Spurlock Museum at the University of Illinois. The precise original contents of this particular example are undocumented. Condition Good overall condition for an ethnographic object of this presumed age. The bone displays natural colour variations, minor marks, surface wear and gentle patination. The leather elements retain attractive old surfaces, with rubbing, abrasions and age-related irregularities. The removable stopper and braided connecting cord are preserved. A small section of green thread is visible near the stopper, possibly representing a later fastening or repair. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description. Included The container, its removable stopper and connecting cord. The transparent photographic support is not included in the sale.