In African society tobacco played an important part. Both men and woman smoked pipes, and the design of the pipe itself had to be appropriate to the social ranks of various tribes. This particular pipe exhibits the wealth of the owner in that copper is used and fine Hippo bone was used for the bowl and neck. The BaKongo people also produced excellent textiles and a diverse group of utilitarian objects such as pipes, drums, small mask pendants, combs, knives and ceremonial cups.
Ethnic Group:
Kuba Society BaKuba Society
Country of Origin:
Zaire
Material:
clay, copper, hippo bone, wood, wire, single wood block carved, copper rivets, wire, mouthpiece, Hippo bone bowl and neck