Lidded box "ngondo" (moon), before 1910 - D. R. Congo

wood, plant fibre, black paste, washing patina, missing part
The ancient Kuba used red wood powder ("twool" in their language) to decorate their bodies and to dye raffia cloth, especially for use in mourning costumes.
The powder was kept in wooden boxes, which were preferably half-moon shaped and decorated with fine relief decoration. This box shows variations of the endless knot "imbol". Inside there are remains of "twool".
W: 33,5 cm; H: 8 cm, W: 13,2 inch; H: 3,1 inch
Provenance:
Swedish Sea Captain from Skåne (coll. in situ and brought to Sweden before 1910)
Peter Willborg, Stockholm, Sweden
Condition Report: See description