Crescent-Shaped Kuba Tukula Box from Congo - 13" L X 6" W X 2" H

Crescent-shaped hand-carved wooden cosmetic box "ngedi mu ntey" 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 in. to 1 in. D 

Reference: 

The Met

Seattle Art Museum

North Carolina Museum of Art

Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida

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