Tobacco and crushed-shell powder container – Turkana – Kenya – horn, leather and fibre (No reserve price)
00
days
16
hours
06
minutes
06
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 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1 |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 142734 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Tobacco and crushed-shell powder container from Kenya for the Turkana, in horn, leather and fibre, comprising a 7 cm high horn container and a 10 cm high leather pouch, original/official, provenance Collected in situ by the present owner, good condition, display stand not included.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Tobacco and crushed-shell powder container – Turkana – Kenya – horn, leather and fibre
Details
Origin: Kenya
People: Turkana
Type: Tobacco and crushed-shell powder container / personal snuff accessory
Horn, leather, fibre, reused zipper element
Dimensions:
- Horn container: 7 cm high
- Leather container: 10 cm high
Period: second half of the 20th century
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner
Custom display stand: not included
Description
A fine Turkana personal tobacco and snuff accessory from Kenya, composed of two connected elements: a small horn container and a leather pouch or receptacle.
Objects of this type belonged to the personal equipment of the Turkana and were used in relation to tobacco and snuff. In this example, the horn container was intended for crushed shell powder, while the leather pouch was used to carry tobacco. The crushed shell powder could be mixed with tobacco or snuff before use.
This example is especially appealing for its complete composite construction. The horn container has a compact cylindrical form, with a warm, dark translucent surface and a fitted hide cover. It is attached by leather and fibre elements to a second container made of leather.
The leather pouch has a beautiful aged surface, with folds, wear and handling marks consistent with prolonged use. Its upper edge is finished with a reused zipper element. Its organic, sculptural form contrasts well with the more regular cylindrical shape of the horn container.
The ensemble has a strong ethnographic presence, combining horn, hide and fibre in a practical and visually engaging object. The object is modest in scale but rich in detail, with a strong personal character and a very attractive usage patina.
A very appealing Turkana tobacco and crushed-shell powder container, appreciated for its complete construction, honest wear, varied materials and strong ethnographic presence.
Condition
Good condition overall, with wear, abrasions, small cracks, marks, surface irregularities and age-related wear consistent with use.
Horn, leather and fibre elements preserved.
Beautiful old usage patina.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The tobacco and crushed-shell powder container only.
The display support shown in the photographs is not 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.
Tobacco and crushed-shell powder container – Turkana – Kenya – horn, leather and fibre
Details
Origin: Kenya
People: Turkana
Type: Tobacco and crushed-shell powder container / personal snuff accessory
Horn, leather, fibre, reused zipper element
Dimensions:
- Horn container: 7 cm high
- Leather container: 10 cm high
Period: second half of the 20th century
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner
Custom display stand: not included
Description
A fine Turkana personal tobacco and snuff accessory from Kenya, composed of two connected elements: a small horn container and a leather pouch or receptacle.
Objects of this type belonged to the personal equipment of the Turkana and were used in relation to tobacco and snuff. In this example, the horn container was intended for crushed shell powder, while the leather pouch was used to carry tobacco. The crushed shell powder could be mixed with tobacco or snuff before use.
This example is especially appealing for its complete composite construction. The horn container has a compact cylindrical form, with a warm, dark translucent surface and a fitted hide cover. It is attached by leather and fibre elements to a second container made of leather.
The leather pouch has a beautiful aged surface, with folds, wear and handling marks consistent with prolonged use. Its upper edge is finished with a reused zipper element. Its organic, sculptural form contrasts well with the more regular cylindrical shape of the horn container.
The ensemble has a strong ethnographic presence, combining horn, hide and fibre in a practical and visually engaging object. The object is modest in scale but rich in detail, with a strong personal character and a very attractive usage patina.
A very appealing Turkana tobacco and crushed-shell powder container, appreciated for its complete construction, honest wear, varied materials and strong ethnographic presence.
Condition
Good condition overall, with wear, abrasions, small cracks, marks, surface irregularities and age-related wear consistent with use.
Horn, leather and fibre elements preserved.
Beautiful old usage patina.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The tobacco and crushed-shell powder container only.
The display support shown in the photographs is not 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
Tobacco and crushed-shell powder container – Turkana – Kenya – horn, leather and fibre
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
