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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Box
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Box

Artist/Maker (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Datenot dated
Mediumwood and redwood pigment
DimensionsOverall: 3 1/2 × 9 1/2 × 5 7/8 in. (8.9 × 24.1 × 14.9 cm)
ClassificationsContainers
Credit LineMuseum purchase through the Thea Katzenstein Art Acquisition Endowment Fund
Terms
    Object number2012.13
    DescriptionThe Kuba are famous for a vast array of beautifully carved prestige objects such as this lidded box, which held a supply of camwood powder that would be mixed with palm oil to form a paste used as a body cosmetic and emollient. The lavishly carved geometric patterned surfaces suggest the practice of wrapping prestige objects in woven and embroidered raffia cloth; the bulge in the middle of the front side portrays cowrie shell embroidery as seen on masks, drums and other objects used by royals and highly titled individuals. The ram’s head carved in relief on the lid also identifies this as a royal box; only the nyim (king) and other royals could own sheep.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maori people
    19th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bamileke people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 1000-1550 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Maya (archaeological culture)
    ca. 600-900
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Olmec
    ca. 1500-400 BCE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lobi people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Lobi people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Asante people
    ca. 1960
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Artist Unknown
    12th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed
    ca. 1000-1550