A small South African carved snuff box made from a red calabash, with a small lid cut into the top.

The taking of snuff was widespread throughout southern Africa, and carefully carved snuff spoons and snuff boxes were often treasured personal possessions among both men and women. Small snuff boxes of this size were worn as accessories attached to the waist or arms, or carried in bags. More elaborate forms with tapering prongs were made by master carvers and often used by the highest-ranking members of society as an indication of status.