 Kuba people, Democratic Republic of the Congo Semi-circular Box with Lid, 20th century carved wood (13037 a-b) Gift of the Rogers Family Foundation, 2004 Ornately carved wooden containers were kept by Kuba men in what is today southcentral
Democratic Republic of Congo to store costume accessories and personalcare
items. Some boxes were filled with the red powder from camwood which was
used to coat and beautify the skin. These and objects for daily use, such as cups and
bowls, were decorated with incised or carved patterns of crisscrossing lines and
repeating diamonds known as nnaam, a Kuba term referring to the tangled vines and
creepers that grow in the forests of the region. These designs also replicate patterns
the Kuba use in basketry and their well-known woven raffia textiles. Many Kuba wood
objects are further embellished with round-headed brass upholstery tacks and coins
obtained through trade. |