Kuba Tukula Container Ngedi Mu Ntey

Kuba peoples, early to mid. 20th century, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa

Superb, finely-carved and small-sized wooden container (ngedi mu ntey) is meticulously embellished with incised interlacing decoration, and used for storing tukula powder (twool), red pigment made from by mixing together pieces of heartwood from a tropical tree. Especially two tree species, Camwood (Bafia nitra) and African Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii), are prized for their red heartwood. Finely grounded and often mixed with palm or castor oil to form a thick paste, this bright red pigment is used to ornament the face, hair and chest during dances and important ceremonies, paint for carved objects, as well as anoint bodies for burial, and also to produce a distinctive red textile dye. 

The Kuba (also called Bakuba or Bushongo) people live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are surrounded by other tribes such as the Suku, Yaka, and Pende. Composed of more than twenty ethnic groups, and living between the Kasai and Sankuru rivers east of their confluence, the Kuba are known for their beautiful raffia embroided textiles, beaded hats, royal figures (ndop), carved palm wine cups, cosmetic boxes and massive helmet masks. Kuba people have been described as a people who cannot bear to leave a surface without ornament. Modern Cubism, which derived its name from the word "Kuba", was highly influenced by Kuba arts, eluded to in works by Cubist master artists including Picasso and Matisse.

Good condition. Missing lid. Expected chips, nicks, abrasions, and softening of incised detail, all commensurate with age. Highly polished surface. Rich dark brown patina. Size approx. 8,8cm x 7,7cm x 8,7cm.

Provenance: private collection from Finland.