H x W x D: 5.3 x 9.3 x 7.6 cm (2 1/16 x 3 11/16 x 3 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Kasai-Sankuru River region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
The half circle is a common shape for Kuba boxes that are used to hold red powder or small valuables. Typically they are decorated with incised geometric patterns similar to those found on textiles. This lid top has a stylized face in relief.
Description:
Wood semi-circular lidded box with incised geometric design, stylized human face and red pigment in the interior.
Provenance:
Eliot Elisofon, -- to 1973
Exhibition History:
African Art in Color, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., May 17-October 9, 1983
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
