A finely made lidded basket attributed to the Kuba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, tightly plaited from raffia palm fiber and finished with a fitted cover and raised woven grip.
The compact oval form is constructed with remarkable precision, the dense interlacing creating a firm, almost sculptural surface. Years of handling and use have darkened the exterior to a rich brown-black patina, while the interior retains the warmer natural tone of the raffia.
Small lidded baskets of this type were used as personal containers, their practical function elevated by the refinement of their construction. The restrained form, tactile surface and beautifully aged patina give this example a particularly strong presence despite its intimate scale.
A handsome example of Kuba basketry, combining technical sophistication with an understated sculptural quality.
Size: 3.5" x 6" x 6" [9cm x 15cm x 15cm]
Age: 1st half of the 20th CenturyÂ
Origin: Congo
Material: RaffiaÂ
Condition: Very goodÂ
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OB066
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