Beer straw

purchased in 1970

African

The world's longest straw?

A pizza box arrived at the museum. When it was opened, this fragile curving element was found fitting neatly inside. It is an exquisite example of a straw unlike any other, meticulously made out of tiny wrapped reeds and quills. One end is hollow, while the other has a miniature basket for straining beer as you sip. The collector acquired it in Uganda in the 1970s and brought it back to Portland, Oregon where it sat well preserved in a pizza box for several decades.

Wood, bird quills, and reed

52"

Gift of Lyn Pauley

99.57

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, The Untold Story, November 14, 2003 - November 14, 2004

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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