Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kuba region, Kasai, ca. 20th century CE. A round, densely woven textile object, identified by an old label as a "pillow" from the Kuba people of the Kasai region. Made from tightly woven raffia dyed a deep reddish-brown, the form is embroidered with large stitches along the sides and features flattened top and bottom surfaces. It is firmly stuffed, giving it a cushion-like solidity, includes a loop for suspension, and there are clay-like encrustations around many of the stitches. Though traditionally described as a headrest, we found no definitive evidence of such use, suggesting alternative functions. It may have served as a seat cushion, a pot-rest for balancing loads on the head, or even as a component of a helmet mask headdress - many of which include raffia-padded structural elements. A tactile and enigmatic Kuba object with both functional and aesthetic presence. Size: 7" W x 3.5" H (17.8 cm x 8.9 cm)

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

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#193744

  • Condition: Some discoloration and stains. Clay / mineral deposits on the surface. Some fraying to stitches, but intact and tightly woven.

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August 22, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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