H x W x D: 3.2 x 32.0 x 10.8 cm (1 1/4 x 12 5/8 x 4 1/4 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Kasai-Sankuru River region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
Pressed and incised cakes of powdered camwood (tukula) crafted by Kuba women were used as funerary gifts (mboongitool) that conveyed respect for the deceased and reflected the prestige of the deceased's family. In addition to being a token of esteem, these objects were also used as currency. Fresh camwood powder is deep red in color, but after much handling the cakes become black and shiny. For decoration, people mix the powdered camwood with oil and apply it to their skin as a cosmetic or to the surface of certain textiles.
Description:
Rectangular block of pressed camwood with overall interlace geometric motif.
Provenance:
Eliot Elisofon, New York, 1947 to 1973
Exhibition History:
Celebration: A World of Art and Ritual, Renwick Gallery, Washington D.C., March 17, 1982-July 10, 1983
Life...Afterlife: African Funerary Sculpture, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 19, 1981-March 1, 1982
Published References:
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Folklife Programs and Renwick Gallery of the National Museum of American Art. 1982. Celebration: A World of Art and Ritual. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, p. 142, no. 192 (not illustrated).
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
