rectangular brown pouch; beaded overall with repeating diamond bands in red and white with blue and white horizontal center band and black beads on ground; blue and white beaded bands at top; beaded tassels at bottom of blue, black and white; strap beaded with black, red and white beads; received mounted with Plexi cover

Tobacco pouch, Date Unknown

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On View in Gallery 236expand_more

Beadwork throughout Africa creates a sense of cultural identity. This pouch has a distinct color choice and design with a band of repeating blue, white, and red diamonds, as well as horizontal stripes and tassels that were characteristic of Xhosa beadwork around 1900. South African Xhosa people believe that beads create a link between the living and the ancestors, adding a spiritual significance. This is particularly relevant for a tobacco pouch like this one, because smoking is not only a recreational activity but also part of rituals that connected the participants with the spirit world.

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Details
Title
Tobacco pouch
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2011.70.53
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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rectangular brown pouch; beaded overall with repeating diamond bands in red and white with blue and white horizontal center band and black beads on ground; blue and white beaded bands at top; beaded tassels at bottom of blue, black and white; strap beaded with black, red and white beads; received mounted with Plexi cover