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"Moon" box (ngondo)

20th century, 1950–2000
Object PlaceDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/TechniqueWood
DimensionsOverall: 6.5 x 31 x 15.5 cm (2 9/16 x 12 3/16 x 6 1/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2681
On View
Not on view
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Description
Kuba wooden boxes, produced in large numbers, served different purposes according to their shapes. This so-called "moon" box once contained tukula, a reddish powder prepared from the bark of a tree. Men and women rubbed their bodies, hair, and clothing with this treasured substance during festive occasions and also used it in ritual settings. Designs, all with specific names, cover the entire container. Elaborate boxes like this, belonged in a leadership context, expressing visually the dominant role of the royals and the nobility.
ProvenanceEarly 1980s, sold by Mr. Keita, Cambridge, MA, to Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)
Door lock
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Door lock
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Door lock
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Vessel
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Group shot: 2009.2689-91
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Group shot: 2009.2689-91
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Group shot: 2009.2689-91
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Spoon
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Bowl on a base
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Game board
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Kola nut tray (okwa oji)
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Door lock
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000