Manufactured by
Unidentified
Owned by
Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994
Date
early 20th-late 20th century
Medium
paint on bone
Dimensions
H x W x D: 7/16 × 3/4 × 4 15/16 in. (1.1 × 1.9 × 12.5 cm)
Description
A cigarette holder owned by Cab Calloway. The cigarette holder is carved from a single piece of polished ivory colored bone. The shaft of the handle has been carved with two, stacked Asian figures on the top of the holder. The figure near the tip of the cigarette holder is wearing robes and a hat, and has a thick beard. His robes are embellished with checkerboard and swirl patterns. The figure below is bald and is also wearing robes with a checkerboard pattern. His robe is open and his rounded belly is exposed. The patterns on the robes and the hat are incised and inlaid with black-brown paint. The eyes and eyebrows are painted black and the lips have been painted red on both figures. The underside of the holder is mostly plain but has carved areas where the front figures wrap around to the back. The opening to hold the cigarette is round and the mouthpiece is thinner with a small circular opening.
Collection title
The Cabell “Cab” Calloway III Collection
Classification
Accessories and Personal Effects
Type
cigarette holders (personal equipment)
Topic
Band (Music)
Composers (Musicians)
Conductors (Musicians)
Dance
Design
Jazz (Music)
Ornamentation
Singers (Musicians)
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam
Object number
A2015.273.1.21
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown – Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57ffecda2-c3ef-47d3-a8e8-fbcaad47fcbc

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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