Kuba Cosmetic Box

Object/Artifact

Drexel Founding Collection

Name/Title

Kuba Cosmetic Box

Entry/Object ID

2022.001.0015

Acquisition

Accession

2022.001

Source or Donor

Rishel Estate, Philadelphia

Acquisition Method

Gift

Credit Line

Gift of Joseph J. Rishel and Anne d'Harnoncourt

Notes

Wedding gift to Anne d'Harnoncourt & Joe Rishel

Made/Created

Artist

Unidentified

Dimensions

Dimension Notes

H, L, W: Lid 1 3/8x3 1/4x5 in; H, W, D: Box 1 1/2x5x3 1/4 in; H, L, W: Cut-out in Box 1 1/4x3x4 1/8 in

Height

1-1/4 in

Width

3 in

Length

5 in

Material

Wood, fiber, tukula

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Exhibition Label

Label

The geometric design featured on the cosmetic box and vessel on display is a signature motif used by Kuba artists when creating their pieces. Mainly Kuba artists created functional domestic pieces and integrated design elements sourced from Kuba textile patterns. The Kuba kingdom, located in present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, operated as an aristocracy that named rulers based on merit instead of being based on who was born into a royal family. Pieces like the ones on display were commissioned and utilized by Kuba elite to elevate themselves to their peers, gaining respect through the work of the artisans in the kingdom. Gift of Joseph J. Rishel and Anne d'Harnoncourt