African Art Search Results

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Type: vessel

Ethnic Group: Kuba (Bakuba)

Country: Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)

ECU Number: L0064-B

Description: These four Kuba lidded baskets are of various form.

Significance researched to date: Baskets are used for a variety of purposes---to carry fish from the streams or cooked food such as cornmeal or cassava or as containers for items of wealth, personal meaning, or ritual significance. A closed container belonging to the chief might contain items of his insignia or sacred soil. Baskets used at a boyÕs initiation contain items transferred from one initiate to another. A ritual expert might carry protective medicines, charms, or special figures. Women may store personal items from jewelry to medicinal remedies.Baskets are made from natural fibers such as grasses, vines, raffia, leaf parts, date palms, papyrus or sorghum. The coiling technique of construction has been found in central and southern regions of Africa, and crossed or checked weaving in West Africa. Decorative effects are made by using predyed fibers or natural fibers of different colors. Patterns used were also seen in textiles, wood carvings and beadwork.The long, narrow and shallow basket with a flat bottom (0064 B) is similar to those used for carrying fish to the market. It was carried on the head. The fibers were woven in the samediamond patterns as seen in Kuba textiles, wood sculpture and beadwork. Basket 0064 A was done in a diagonal cross pattern, 0064 B in a check pattern, and 0064 D in zigzag. The braided cord allowed them to be hung on a wall or carried in the hand.Today, African basket weavers combine traditional patterns with innovative styles for personal use and for the tourist trade.(Chanda, 106-107, Hultgren, 80,82, Schildkrout, 101,108).

Type:	vessel
Ethnic Group:	Kuba (Bakuba)
Country:	Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
ECU Number:	L0064-B

Description:	These four Kuba lidded baskets are of various form.
Significance researched to date:	Baskets are used for a variety of purposes---to carry fish from the streams or cooked food such as cornmeal or cassava or as containers for items of wealth, personal meaning, or ritual significance. A closed container belonging to the chief might contain items of his insignia or sacred soil. Baskets used at a boyÕs initiation contain items transferred from one initiate to another. A ritual expert might carry protective medicines, charms, or special figures. Women may store personal items from jewelry to medicinal remedies.Baskets are made from natural fibers such as grasses, vines, raffia, leaf parts, date palms, papyrus or sorghum. The coiling technique of construction has been found in central and southern regions of Africa, and crossed or checked weaving in West Africa. Decorative effects are made by using predyed fibers or natural fibers of different colors. Patterns used were also seen in textiles, wood carvings and beadwork.The long, narrow and shallow basket with a flat bottom (0064 B) is similar to those used for carrying fish to the market. It was carried on the head. The fibers were woven in the samediamond patterns as seen in Kuba textiles, wood sculpture and beadwork. Basket 0064 A was done in a diagonal cross pattern, 0064 B in a check pattern, and 0064 D in zigzag. The braided cord allowed them to be hung on a wall or carried in the hand.Today, African basket weavers combine traditional patterns with innovative styles for personal use and for the tourist trade.(Chanda, 106-107, Hultgren, 80,82, Schildkrout, 101,108).