Beautiful Kuba Bushoong Bwoom wisdom basket from DR Congo.
Splendid container with a separate lid. Fully embroidered with countless cowrie shells and fine colored glass beads.
These very impressive ornate containers were – even until recently – the insignia of the Kuba kings and their deputy local dignitaries. The container was carried by a court servant and was used to receive gifts, but also to collect debts, often in the form of primitive money and high-quality natural products, e.g. Tukula bars. These containers were also nicknamed wisdom container, which probably indicates their original use as a prestige object and differs from the later profane use.
Object: |
Wisdom basket |
Ethnic group: |
Kuba |
Country: |
DR Congo |
Material: |
Beads, Cauris, Textile |
Estimated period: |
Second half 20th century |
Sold with stand: |
No |
Dimensions: |
44x18x18 cm |
Weight: |
1400 gram |
Condition: |
Good condition, used with some signs of wear |