Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Lid with Figurative Head

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Lid with Figurative Head

• Culture: Mangbetu
• Medium: Wood, stain
• Place Made: Ubangi or Uele region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dates: 19th century
• Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 9 in. (27.9 x 22.9 x 22.9 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is not on view
• Accession Number: 68.33
• Credit Line: Ella C. Woodward Memorial Fund
• Image: Overall, 68.33_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2005
Mangbetu. Lid with Figurative Head, 19th century. Wood, stain, 11 x 9 x 9 in. (27.9 x 22.9 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Ella C. Woodward Memorial Fund, 68.33 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 68.33_PS1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Carved darkwood container lid: carved cylindrical center section vertical as opposed to two horizontal elements above and below (hat and lid cover). Facial area at center has protruding ears (perforataed), slit eyes with crescent brows above, and nose with nostrils which blend into cheeks; mouth a small puntated slit. Incising lines vertically at forehead center: forehead area below 'hair' line and above eyes of light wood. Back of this center section has 4 deeply incised lines. Female headdress (Tumburu) has wide brim (with split V at center), plain underneath but for crown and relief bow at top. Base as wide as hat and plain; rim incised. Beneath second level of lid, 3 small protruding wooden pegs. Bottom rim stained but center is natural wood: tool marks. All surfaces (except bottom) highly polished.