Pipe

Undetermined artist · Early-late 19th century

A great variety of wood pipes are found in the southeastern region of South Africa, particularly in the Transkei, and can generally be attributed to the Xhosa peoples. Often carved in the form of animals, humans or vehicles with spoked wheels, these pipes are given as wedding presents or as gifts to maintain social or kinship ties. They can become prized family heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next and are only used on special occasions.