A Fine South African Rhinoceros Horn and Plaited Silver Wire Prestige Cane

Caption Literature Exhibition

A Fine South African Rhinoceros Horn and Plaited Silver Wire Prestige Cane
Probably made for a Colonial Army Officer
Late 19th Century
Size: 81.5cm long – 32 ins long

Together with elephant ivory, rhinoceros horn was kept for the exclusive use of the tribal elite in pre colonial South Africa. Most pieces made of rhinoceros horn were regarded as prestigious chiefly objects. Eventually extensive hunting of both the black and white rhinoceros greatly diminished the availability of the horn and the tradition of carving artefacts ceased in the early 20th century.

NOTE: Now sold, similar walking sticks / walking canes wanted for stock
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A Fine South African Rhinoceros Horn and Plaited Silver Wire Prestige Cane