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Collections

Economic Botany Collections

Gourds

Assorted snuff boxes

Assorted snuff boxes

Catalogue no:

(upper right corner) 54638

Botanical classification:

CUCURBITACEAE Lagenaria siceraria

Donor:

JT Last

Donor date:

1887

Geographical origin:

South Tropical Africa, Northern Mozambique, Namuli

 

Catalogue no:

(bottom center and upper left corner) 75792

Botanical classification:

CUCURBITACEAE Lagenaria siceraria

Donor:

A. Alvis

Donor date:

1998

Geographical origin:

Asia Temperate, Western Asia, Afghanistan

 

These objects are just a few examples of the many snuff boxes made from gourds in the Collections at Kew. The snuff box in the upper right corner was collected in Northern Mozambique, probably on or near Mount Namuli. It was used by the Makua tribes. The bottom centre and upper left snuff boxes, with decorated silver tops and beadwork, were given as a gift by an Afghan mujaidheen to a visiting English teacher. These snuff containers are called ‘kado’ and are presented on special occasions.

 

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