鼻烟配件 / 碎贝壳粉末容器 – Turkana – 肯尼亚 – 鹈鹕骨 (沒有保留價)

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.