Box: Lidded

19th–20th century
Not on view
Ambitious and status-conscious Kuba officials require splendid sumptous articles as visible signs of their wealth and rank. Highly specialized artists--carvers, smiths, weavers, embroiderers, leather workers, jewelers, event hat and pipe-makers--supply their needs. Kuba art consists mostly of such useful objects as cups for drinking palm wine, boxes for storing cosmetics and valuables, pipes, and spoons--all of which are elaborated beyond mere function by their sophisticated forms and lavish decoration. The intricate geometric patterns that cover the surfaces of Kuba sculpture are borrowed from the motifs embroidered on luxurious velvet raffia cloths.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Box: Lidded
  • Date: 19th–20th century
  • Geography: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sankuru River region
  • Culture: Kuba peoples
  • Medium: Wood, rattan
  • Dimensions: H. 8 1/2 x W.8 1/4 x D. 26 in. (21.6 x 21 x 66 cm)
  • Classification: Wood-Containers
  • Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Wielgus, 1961
  • Object Number: 1978.412.433a, b
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.