Kuba Tukula Container (Ngedi Mu Ntey)

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

A charming and finely carved wooden tukula container (ngedi mu ntey) crafted for holding the brilliant red cosmetic pigment known as tukula (or twool). This elegant small-sized vessel displays the Kuba’s signature incised interlacing motifs—meticulous geometric decoration that showcases their renowned aesthetic refinement.

Tukula powder was produced by grinding the richly colored heartwood of trees such as Camwood (Bafia nitra) or African Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii). Often mixed with palm or castor oil, it formed a vivid paste used to adorn the face, hair, and chest during dances and major ceremonies, embellish carved objects, decorate textiles, and anoint the deceased prior to burial.

The Kuba—an artistic constellation of more than twenty related ethnic groups living between the Kasai and Sankuru rivers—are celebrated for their sophisticated visual culture: embroidered raffia textiles, elaborately beaded royal regalia, carved palm-wine cups, cosmetic boxes, and monumental masked forms. Their distinctive geometric sensibility has long inspired modern artists, including Picasso and Matisse, and remains one of the most admired artistic traditions of Central Africa.

Good condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Chip. Repaired. Size approx. 13,9cm x 7,0cm x 7,4cm.

Provenance: Finnish private collection