Snuff Spoons - Hair Ornaments

Zulu - Bhaca - Pondo  -  Circa 1900

                         Ivy's Albums - Lynn Acutt                                 Duggan-Cronin - Bone Hair Ornament

Snuff spoons were mostly carved from bone. We know of wooden and ivory examples, as well as those of hippo tooth. Photographic evidence shows the core production area as Pondoland. The Pondo were well known for their snuff spoons, which were objects also intended to be hair ornaments and combs.

Our two examples are offered as a pair.

Many 19th century illustrations and photographs depict Southern African indigenous people adorned with snuff spoons or related hair ornaments that decorate their hair, coiffure, or in use. On the left is a Bhaca woman and to the right, a Pondo woman.

 They are decorated with fine detailed decorations.

Sangoma by Duggan-Cronin

This photograph was taken by Duggan-Cronin of a Sangoma from the Eastern Cape taking snuff.

The use of snuff was a widespread practice exercised by both male and female Southern African tribal peoples. The Bhaca, Pondo and Zulu are all well documented for having made these prestigious snuff spoons, which also served as a comb to adorn the head. The painting below by G F Angus includes a multi-tined snuff spoon - circa 1849.

ZULU - George French Angas - The Kafirs Illustrated - 1849