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Kuba Wooden Neck Rest (early 20th Century) Dr Congo
$617.55
£465.75
€530
CA$853.82
A$956.42
CHF 502.35
MX$11,629.77
NOK 6,361.35
SEK 6,038.63
DKK 4,034.71
About the Item
Authentic Kuba Wooden Headrest
Democratic Republic of Congo, Early 1900s
Hand-carved hardwood with incised geometric motifs
Dimensions: heigth 14 cm, width 18 cm
Description:
A rare and finely carved Kuba wooden headrest, dating from the early 20th century, crafted by the Kuba people of south-central Democratic Republic of Congo. This elegant object reflects the Kuba's renowned artistic tradition, characterized by its symmetrical design, refined geometry, and deep cultural symbolism.
Carved from a single piece of dense tropical hardwood, the headrest features a gently curved upper platform, flanked by twin support columns and anchored by a solid base. The top surface is adorned with intricately incised cross-hatched and bordered motifs, echoing patterns found in Kuba textiles and royal regalia.
More than a utilitarian object, this headrest was a marker of status and identity, typically reserved for noblemen, elders, or titled individuals within Kuba society. It served both as a practical sleep aid, protecting elaborate coiffures, and as a spiritual tool, linking the sleeper to ancestral realms through dreams.
The rich patina, visible tool marks, and overall wear attest to its age and authentic use, making it a valuable piece for collectors of African art, ethnographic material culture, or early colonial-era artifacts.
- Creator:Kuba (Sculptor)
- Dimensions:Height: 5.52 in (14 cm)Width: 7.09 in (18 cm)Depth: 3.35 in (8.5 cm)
- Style:Tribal (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:early 20th century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. normal age traces.
- Seller Location:Bilzen, BE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10361245897352
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Bilzen, Belgium
- Return Policy
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