4 Snuff, and/or Gunpowder Wooden Containers (Tutukipfula)- Kuba People, D.R.Congo

The largest of the containers was definitely a gunpowder container. This container was once filled with black gunpowder. Guns and gunpowder were important European trade goods in Africa. It was an accessory to the muzzle-loading rifles used in areas along the Congo River. African rulers, commissioned artists to make beautiful containers for the precious gunpowder that would be used to expand their territory and maintain their status as leaders. The holes were for fiber carrying cords preventing the stopper from falling and allowing the whole to be suspended. Gunpowder was put in the barrel of the shotgun (called "pou pou'') 10 to 15 cm3 of powder per charge, stuffed lightly and used motley projectiles (small stones, small pieces of iron, copper, lead ...). The wounds, although shallow, were however very lethal because of the irregularity of the projectiles.

The 3 smaller ones, whilst possibly also used for carrying gunpowder, were probably used as snuff containers.
Snuff containers are still used by diviners, as tobacco is a tool for communicating with the ancestors. It is used in divination to put the diviner in contact with the spirits.
Snuff containers are objects of great elaboration & ornamentation. Tobacco was smoked, snuffed, & chewed. The tobacco snuff was often mixed with ashes of other plants, minerals, & animal fats. This intense mixture was taken rapidly to induce intoxication. While it may be a personal pastime for some, tobacco in Africa is widely associated with public ceremonies, social etiquette, & the recognition of rank differences. For example, it may be used in greeting or as part of wedding ceremonies.

Dimensions from left to right:
Height: 5 1/4" x Diameter: 3 3/4"
Height: 5 1/4" x Diameter: 2 7/8"
Height: 4 3/4" x Diameter: 2 1/4"
Height: 4 3/4" x Diameter: 2 1/8"

Only sold as a set of 4.