Calabash Water Pipe

Calabash Water Pipe
Wood, tar (used nature), Calabash
Size in cm: 30 x 14 x 12
Weight: 200g.

Water pipe with a half male figure on a calabash used as the suction part of the pipe. The figure is attached to the calabash with brass wires and indigenous glued material. The figure shows details that helped identify this pipe with the Himba people. In many cases this pipe will questionably be held for Luba origin, but the stem style being dominantly male, contributes to the Himba culture. Elaborate waterpipes such as this were used by chiefs or dignitaries to smoke tobacco and in some cases even hemp. Himba sculpture is dominated by the representation of men. It is through male presence that the high ranking of the clan is ensured. Such an artefact would be owned by either the tribal chief or other high ranking male society members.