Snuff accessory / crushed-shell powder container – Turkana – Kenya – pelican bone (No reserve price)
02
days
01
hour
33
minutes
54
seconds
Current bid
€ 15
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €15 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €10 | |
| €3 | |
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Turkana snuff accessory container crafted from pelican bone with leather end elements, 17.5 cm long, originating from Kenya and dated to the mid-20th century, sold with no stand and in good, original condition, provenance collected in situ by the current owner.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Snuff accessory / crushed-shell powder container – Turkana – Kenya – pelican bone
Details
Origin: Kenya
People / Culture: Turkana
Type: Container for crushed shell powder used with snuff
Material(s): Pelican bone, leather / hide, fibre cord
Length: 17.5 cm
Period: mid-20th century
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner
Stand: None
Description
A fine Turkana container made from pelican bone, leather and fibre, used as an accessory for snuff.
Among the Turkana, tobacco snuff was traditionally used together with an alkaline additive, often made from crushed shell or similar mineral material. This small container was intended to hold that powdered substance, which could then be mixed with tobacco snuff.
The object is made from a section of pelican bone, fitted with leather-covered end elements and a braided leather suspension cord. Its construction is simple but very effective, combining lightness, practicality and strong visual character.
This example is particularly appealing for the contrast between the pale bone section and the darker, well-patinated leather elements. The braided suspension cord is preserved and gives the piece a complete and authentic ethnographic presence.
The surface shows a fine old patina, with wear, rubbing, darkened areas and handling marks consistent with age and use. The object has a modest but very sincere character, typical of personal utilitarian objects kept close to the body.
A charming Turkana snuff accessory, appreciated for its unusual pelican bone construction, preserved suspension cord, old patina and clear ethnographic function.
Condition
Good condition overall, with wear, rubbing, small marks and surface irregularities consistent with age and use.
Old patina throughout.
No stand included.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The container only.
No stand included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Snuff accessory / crushed-shell powder container – Turkana – Kenya – pelican bone
Details
Origin: Kenya
People / Culture: Turkana
Type: Container for crushed shell powder used with snuff
Material(s): Pelican bone, leather / hide, fibre cord
Length: 17.5 cm
Period: mid-20th century
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner
Stand: None
Description
A fine Turkana container made from pelican bone, leather and fibre, used as an accessory for snuff.
Among the Turkana, tobacco snuff was traditionally used together with an alkaline additive, often made from crushed shell or similar mineral material. This small container was intended to hold that powdered substance, which could then be mixed with tobacco snuff.
The object is made from a section of pelican bone, fitted with leather-covered end elements and a braided leather suspension cord. Its construction is simple but very effective, combining lightness, practicality and strong visual character.
This example is particularly appealing for the contrast between the pale bone section and the darker, well-patinated leather elements. The braided suspension cord is preserved and gives the piece a complete and authentic ethnographic presence.
The surface shows a fine old patina, with wear, rubbing, darkened areas and handling marks consistent with age and use. The object has a modest but very sincere character, typical of personal utilitarian objects kept close to the body.
A charming Turkana snuff accessory, appreciated for its unusual pelican bone construction, preserved suspension cord, old patina and clear ethnographic function.
Condition
Good condition overall, with wear, rubbing, small marks and surface irregularities consistent with age and use.
Old patina throughout.
No stand included.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The container only.
No stand included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Details
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Snuff accessory / crushed-shell powder container – Turkana – Kenya – pelican bone
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
