Object Details
- 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 in relief three small antelope horns. Such horns often are used as containers for magical/medicinal substances.
- Description
- Wood semi-circular lidded box with incised geometric design and relief of three antelope horns.
- Provenance
- Collected Zaire 1966-67
- Exhibition History
- The Language of African Art: A Bicentennial Exhibition from the Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C. 1976-1978
- Published References
- Robbins, Warren. 1976. The Language of African Art: A Bicentennial Exhibition from the Museum of African Art. Washington, D.C.: Museum of African Art, p.
- 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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Kuba artist
- Date
- Mid 20th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of Eliot Elisofon
- Medium
- Wood
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 6.8 x 31 x 16.5 cm (2 11/16 x 12 3/16 x 6 1/2 in.)
- Type
- Sculpture
