Snuff Mortar (Tesa Ya Ma Kanya)
Chokwe
1 of 3
Object Label
The figure forming the stopper of this snuff container can be identified as a chief by the elaborate headdress, or mutwe wa kaynda, he wears, as well as by the way he holds his hands in front of his chest. For the Chokwe, sitting with crossed legs suggests that a person has something to hide; thus, the chief sits in an “open” stance.
Caption
Chokwe. Snuff Mortar (Tesa Ya Ma Kanya), early 19th century. Wood, 9 x 2 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (22.9 x 7 x 6.4 cm) a: 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm) b: 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Marcia and John Friede, 73.107.1a-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Snuff Mortar (Tesa Ya Ma Kanya)
Date
early 19th century
Geography
Possible place made: Muzamba region, Angola
Medium
Wood
Classification
Dimensions
9 x 2 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (22.9 x 7 x 6.4 cm) a: 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm) b: 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Marcia and John Friede
Accession Number
73.107.1a-b
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