Snuffbox in the form of a ram's head, Edinburgh, Scotland, 1881-1882
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Snuff is powdered tobacco that is inhaled through the nose. The practice of ‘taking snuff’ became common in Europe in the 1600s and was hugely popular throughout the 1700s. This ram’s head on wheels is known as a ‘snuff mull’ and essentially acts as an oversized snuff box. The ram was almost certainly a former regimental mascot whose faithful service would have been commemorated by preserving its head in this fashion. As such it would have been brought out for use at regimental dinners and other gatherings. It has two silver-lidded compartments for holding snuff and would have been placed on a table and passed around for everyone to use. Snuff was well liked for its aroma, taste and nicotine boost. It was also believed to ward off colds and to be good for the relief of ear, nose and throat problems. Snuff boxes were a practical necessity, but could also be symbols of social standing and came in many different materials and shapes.
Object number:
A123128
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: snuff box
a small usually ornamental container for holding snuff Boxes, usually having a hinged lid and small enough to be carried in the pocket, used for holding snuff
Glossary: smoking
A practice where a substance, most commonly tobacco is burned and the smoke inhaled. It is currently practiced by over one billion people worldwide (2008)
Glossary: snuff
Tobacco that has been finely powdered. Snuff is usually sniffed through the nose, or applied to the gums with a finger.