H x W x D: 31.8 x 8.9 x 3.2 cm (12 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1 1/4 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Kasai-Sankuru River region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Early-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 bar of pressed camwood with three L-shaped sections with incised zigzag motif and ovoid spirals.
Provenance:
Robert Keating, -- to 1975
Exhibition History:
African Art in Color, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., May 17-October 9, 1983
African Emblems of Status, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., October 29, 1982-April 3, 1983
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