Nigerian Cast Bronze Snuff Ring

This unusual cast bronze ring has a ribbed hoop that goes around the finger and then a very tall, upright section with a ‘dish’ on top decorated by a spiral. One side is decorated by a human figure astride a horse.

The Tiv people of central Nigeria used this type of ring for taking snuff. The snuff was placed on the slightly concave surface on the top of the ring and then offered to elders, guests and other important figures (Fisher, 1987, p. 142).

A related example is illustrated in Fisher, 1987, p. 142. Two others are illustrated in Borel (1994, p. 78).

The example here is in fine condition and is without losses.