Group of 2 African bowls. ++ A rectangular box with pyramidal lid and traces of pigment inside, Democratic, Kuba. Late 19th to early 20th century. 3 1/2" x 8" x 7", ++ A pedestal footed bowl. 20th century. 6 1/4" x 7 3/4" diameter.
Provenance: The Inventory and Collection from the Estate of Merton D. Simpson. "One of the important art forms identified with competition between titled court members among the Kuba are the carved palm-wine drinking
cups and ornately carved boxes that held tukula powder. With half of all Bushoong men holding titles in the 1880s, competition for influence
was sometimes fierce, and found expression in the elaboration of these essentially commonplace household objects into works of
extraordinary beauty.

Boxes such as these were for storing tukula--a reddish powder made from the bark of a tree. It was used for body and hair coloring and
used to ornament the face and chest during dances, as well as to anoint bodies for burial. Boxes as these were also used for rituals
objects. Some are in the shape of a mask. Tukula was considered a very expensive cosmetic and was treasured." randafricanart.com ++ This is a contemporary bowl made for sale.