Crescent Shaped Kuba Wooden Tukula Box from Congo

Crescent-shaped hand-carved wooden box from the Kuba Peoples. This piece stored Tukula which is used as both a dry powder and as a paste mixed with palm oil. Women use it as a cosmetic or dye to decorate the face and chest, to anoint bodies for burial and to dye cloth. Being that these boxes functioned as storage vessels, the interior is stained a bright red due to the residue from the powder.

Place of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 

Date of Manufacture: mid-20^th Century

Condition: Very Good

Wear: Consistent with age. Slight wedge missing in lip. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions: Exterior: 12.5 in. L X 6 in. W X 2.25 in. H / Interior: .75 to 1 in D 

Reference: The Met, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Seattle Art Museum