Tiv Pipe, Tortoise Form

A great variety of fanciful well used pipes were once in wide use among the Tiv of Nigeria. Figurative elements ranged from male sexual imagery to zoomorphic heads, references to wealth, virility and status and fanciful geometric details all within a basic functional form. Among my favorites was a pipe (sold many years ago) in the form of a rifle. The stem doubled as the rifle’s barrel so that in effect the smoker placed gun to mouth with every puff. This is the only example I have found of a pipe celebrating a tortoise- an otherwise frequently encountered symbol in African art for earthbound fortitude, durability and humility. The pipe is also unique in that it is self supporting. Where as most pipes must be held while lit this highly sculptural example can be put down on the ground or on a table and allowed to smolder without any chance of the bowl spilling its contents. Carved from a hard well patinated wood with a wrought iron stem. 14″ tall; unmounted.

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