rare and important Taino wood snuff tube, ca. A.D. 1300-1500

the finely carved snuffer for the ceremonial inhalation of cohoba, with slender shaft featuring the shaman as bird-man, the projecting head with long waterbird open beak and large recessed eyes once inlaid, the compact body showing ribs and tightly bent arms with long curved talons at the side, crouching over with the buttocks resting on the human feet on curled toes at the back, adorned with earrings with spiral motifs above; in dark brown, patinated guayacán wood.

Private European collection, acquired in the 1930's

By descent to present owner

Edmond Mangones and  Louis Maximilien, L'art Précolombien d'Haiti, Catalogue de l'Exposition Précolombienne, III Congrés des Caraibes, 1941, Planche L

Office National du Tourisme, Haiti Tourist Information Bureau, New York, 1954

Excellent, one chipped area on the bottom of shaft as shown. Otherwise intact. Lovely patina, remains of material in recessed areas. Possible rodent gnaw marks on parts of shaft and top.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.