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Between and Mortarboard

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This wooden comb, or <em>cisakulo,</em> is composed of six long teeth and an anthropomorphic support. Its handle includes a rectangular section with multiple bands of diagonal, incised lines. This section along with the teeth of the comb visually form an abstracted body for the delicately carved head, which sits atop the handle. These lined motifs as well as the fine facial features are similar to those found in the figural carvings of the neighboring Chokwe; the striated turbanesque coiffure, however, is distinctly characteristic of the Lwena style.
Lwena (Lwena)
Comb
1875 – 1885
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.203
This carved, dark wooden drinking vessel features a standing female figure, whose disproportionately large head is nearly one-half of the entire piece’s height. The object displays the influence of foreign styles: the body reflects a Leele aesthetic while the scarifications are reminiscent of the Kuba. The facial features, however, are distinctly Wongo.<br /> The woman stands attentively with her palms resting on her upper thighs. Her coiffure consists of an intricate diamond-shape pattern carved in relief; diamond-shape motifs appear again as scarifications across the temples and throughout the torso, from the upper chest to the pelvis. Her facial traits include prominent cheekbones; a slightly arched eyebrow ridge that meets in the middle; and, a long, fine nose. The interior of the cup is smooth and polished. A piece of string has been loosely tied around the figure’s left leg.
Wongo (Wongo)
Palm Wine Cup
1915 – 1925
Gift of Candis and Helmut Stern
2005/1.211
This wooden comb includes 11 large teeth, one of which has broken off. Its handle includes a rectangular section with multiple bands of diagonal, incised lines. This rectangular section along with the teeth of the comb visually form an abstracted body for the delicately carved head, which sits atop the handle. The head itself bears fine facial features as evidenced by its straight mouth and narrow eyes with large, round orbits.  
Lunda (Lunda (culture or style))
Comb
1895 – 1955
Museum Purchase assisted by the Friends of the Museum of Art
1971/2.46
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