Description:

**Originally Listed At $300**

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. A woven textile basket known as a kweemishaam'l or a wisdom basket, the body and its lid are comprised of a stick or cane frame covered with handwoven raffia cloth. Attached to the cloth with raffia fiber are numerous cowrie shells, glass beads, and copper sheets, arranged in geometric patterns - all hallmarks of Kuba regalia. The designs likely draw inspiration from Kuba textiles, where abstract geometry communicates social identity, marital status, and hierarchical rank. Wisdom baskets are used to store sacred amulets associated with kingship. During public audiences, the king would often rest his elbow upon the basket while addressing his people, symbolizing the authority and spiritual guidance stored within it. Size: 10" W x 24" H (25.4 cm x 61 cm)

Provenance: private Louisville, Kentucky, USA collection, acquired 1990-1998

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#193519

  • Condition: Some tears and fraying to cloth and missing beads and cowrie shells in several area. Basket is slightly misshapen and the lid makes it top heavy and prone to falling over.

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Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 8, 2026 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000