A lidded incised oval shaped box with handle in the form of an arm and hand with footed bottom. Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba. 20th century. 5 3/4"h x 11"w x 5 1/2"d.
Provenance: Inventory and Collection from the Estate of Merton D. Simpson.
Catalog Notes: Simpson inventory #6631, asking price $8,000. The Kuba used elaborately carved containers of various shapes and sizes that were kept by Kuba to store costume accessories and items used for personal care. These included razors, beads, and camwood powder used to coat and beautify the skin. Surface decoration that cover these vessels and boxes are known as nnaam, a Kuba term referring to the tangled vines and creepers that grow in the fertile forests of this region.