A nicely carved skulls head 18th century pipe tamper used to 'correct the draw' by pressing down the burning contents in the small round pipe bowl. Much better than getting a burnt finger! Note the charred end.
These skulls were made as "momento mori" showing the awareness to mortality and dust to dust which is what happens to both snuff and tobacco when burnt.
It measures 8cm l x 2cm w at the skull end.