Home > Animals > Mammals > Nesomyidae > Fat Mouse
Snuff Spoon, late 1800s (bone)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Snuff Spoon, late 1800s (bone)
500438 Snuff Spoon, late 1800s (bone) by Zulu, (19th century); h:17.8 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Often, snuff spoons made from the rib of an ox or cow were subtly carved to suggest a female body. Decorated with incised designs blackened with cattle fat and ash, many are true hybrid objects, combining a spoon with a long-tined comb or hairpin. Such spoons were typically worn as ornaments in the hair or even the beard, thus signaling the social standing of their wearer. [Constantine Petridis Cleveland Museum of Art, (4/16/11-2/26/12); " The Art of Daily Life: Portable Objects from Southeast Africa" ]
); Gift of Dori and Daniel Rootenberg, Jacaranda Tribal, New York; South African, out of copyright
Media ID 22918650
© Gift of Dori and Daniel Rootenberg, Jacaranda Tribal, New York / Bridgeman Images
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Africa
> Related Images
> Africa
> South Africa
> Related Images
> Animals
> Farm
> Cattle
> Related Images
> Animals
> Mammals
> Bovidae
> Cattle
> Animals
> Mammals
> Bovidae
> Ox
> Animals
> Mammals
> Nesomyidae
> Fat Mouse
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cleveland
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> English School
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Zulu
> North America
> United States of America
> New York
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a Snuff Spoon from the late 1800s, crafted by Zulu artisans in South Africa. Carved delicately out of bone, this unique artifact stands at an impressive height of 17.8 cm and is currently housed in the prestigious Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA. What makes this snuff spoon truly remarkable is its subtle yet intricate design. Often made from the rib of an ox or cow, it features a cleverly carved female body motif that adds an element of artistry to its functionality. The surface is adorned with incised designs that have been blackened using cattle fat and ash, creating a striking contrast against the bone material. Notably, these snuff spoons were not just practical objects but also served as symbols of social status. They were worn as ornaments either in the hair or even in beards, allowing their wearers to proudly display their elevated position within society. This particular piece belongs to a larger exhibition titled "The Art of Daily Life: Portable Objects from Southeast Africa" curated by Constantine Petridis at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It was generously gifted to the museum by Dori and Daniel Rootenberg through Jacaranda Tribal in New York. Through this photograph, we are transported back to a time when craftsmanship merged seamlessly with cultural significance, offering us a glimpse into the rich heritage and artistic traditions of Southern Africa's Zulu people.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
