Pipe Furnace

Bamum people, Cameroon Grasslands

First half of the 20th Century

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This wonderfully detailed ceramic glazed medium size pipe furnace represents Kola nut pods (Thank you Andrea for the tip)

Those particular pipes where usually not smoked but instead symbolically carried to the mouth by the Chiefs. This explains why most of them don't have residue in the furnace.

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It is extremely difficult to date these pipe furnaces. Many entered German museum as early as 1890. I date this one to the first half of the 20th Century. But it could be much older.

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H: 9 cm  (3 1/2 inches)

Price : 650 Euros enquiry