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Snuff Mortar (Tesa Ya Ma Kanya)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Tobacco, introduced into Africa in the 16th century, became the prerogative of leaders. As patrons of the arts, Chokwe chiefs commissioned elaborate pipes and mortars as part of their court regalia for display during public gatherings.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineSnuff Mortar (Tesa Ya Ma Kanya), late 1800s. Africa, Central Africa, Angola or Democratic Republic of Congo, Chokwe carver. Wood, upholstery studs, cloth, and metal; overall: 22.5 x 8.4 x 13.8 cm (8 7/8 x 3 5/16 x 5 7/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Katherine C. White, 1978.28
