Basket

19th century, inventoried 1897

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Kongo lidded baskets in a variety of cylindrical and rectangular forms were woven by women. In this example, black supplementary fibers highlight the bold graphic design of a deconstructed interlace that branches around the exterior. In Kongo society, such containers served as receptacles for precious goods and were also presented as ambassadorial gifts. This basket, likely created for export, was first exhibited in 1894 at the Insular and Colonial Exhibition presented at the Crystal Palace in Porto, Portugal.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Basket
Date: 19th century, inventoried 1897
Geography: Cabinda, Angola
Culture: Kongo peoples
Medium: Fiber, wood, pigment
Dimensions: H. 8 5/8 in. (22 cm), Diam. 8 5/8 in. (22 cm)
Classification: Basketry-Containers
Credit Line: Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing