Rare! Old tobacco container, CHOKWE, DR Congo, 1900-1920
Overview
Extremely rare!! in this case, this tobacco container from the Chokwe from DR Congo. Less than 10 of them are known yet! A utensil in which tobacco was stored which was pounded with a small phallus-shaped pestle. You'll still smell the wild tobacco in this one!
Was once owned by a man of status within the community. In addition to tobacco, it was also used to mix "mind-expanding" (vegetable) substances before the night started. The man could then tell a woman to grab the mortar. She then knew that she was going to spend the night with him. The other women could then sleep with the chickens, to put it bluntly. The lid and cord have been replaced at some point. Good used condition!
Height: 13 cm
Weight: 80 grams, including foot 129 grams
Origin: DR Congo
Dating: 1900-1920
Provenance: Obtained from a Flemish private collection
(price in a gallery 450-650)