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Type:	vessel
Ethnic Group:	Kuba (Bakuba)
Country:	Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
ECU Number:	L0067-A
Description:	These four boxes are crescent-shaped and lidded. Three are of wood, carved with a face, geometric designs and coins, and one of fiber with cowrie shells and fur.
Significance researched to date:	This hand-carved box was made for the Kuba king. Among the Kuba, boxes for storing tukula powder were quite common. Ground from tukula wood, the red powder was used as a cosmetic and for protection against insects and the sun. Evidence of tukula powder is seen on this container. Oval-shaped containers were used to store razors and tukula powder. Crescent-shaped containers stored personal or ceremonial items. Square containers were also made by Kuba craftsmen. Carefully carved from a single piece of wood, these boxes combine Kuba geometric motifs in low relief with interwoven designs imitating basketry, knots of fishing nets, or braids. Specially-selected craftsmen worked for the king to produce items of high aesthetic quality, for the Òart of the Kuba is centered on man and the glorification of power and beautification of life.Ò[Cornet, quoted in Meyer, 53, Hultgren, 72,76)