Strike-a-Light (yesquero)

Strike-a-Light (yesquero)

18th century
Artist
unknown artist
Country
Peru, Bolivia
Object
Strike-a-Light, Yesquero
Medium
Silver and iron
Accession Number
1992.73
Credit Line
Bequest of Robert J. Stroessner

Unknown artist, Strike-a-Light (Yesquero), 1700s. Silver and iron; 12⅛ × 2⅝ in. Bequest of Robert J. Stroessner, 1992.73.

Dimensions
overall length: 12.125 in, 30.7975 cm; overall width: 2.563 in, 6.5100 cm
Department
Mayer Center, Latin American Art
Collection
Latin American Art
This object is currently on view

Tobacco was unknown in Europe before contact with the Americas. The smoking of tobacco became extremely popular in Europe and the colonies.  Elaborate tools evolved for using tobacco such as tobacco holders, snuff boxes, and portable strike-a-lights, such as this one.
-- Julie Wilson Frick, 2017

Known Provenance
Bequest 11 March 1992 of Robert J. Stroessner to the Denver Art Museum. Provenance research is on-going at the Denver Art Museum. Please e-mail provenance@denverartmuseum.org, if you have questions, or if you have additional information to share with us.