Artwork Page for Sifting Basket

Details / Information for Sifting Basket

Sifting Basket

before 1915

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo or Angola, possibly Chokwe-style maker

Medium
Plant fibers and dye
Measurements
Overall: 39.4 cm (15 1/2 in.); Outside: 39.4 x 20.7 cm (15 1/2 x 8 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Educational Purchase Fund 1915.464
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

F. M. Rapp––who acquired this basket in Congo while working for a diamond mine––attended the Case School of Applied Science in Cleveland.

Description

The Chokwe pounded maize into a course flour and then sifted it in order to separate the finest flour for cooking. This domestic object exhibits a refined, elegant artistry in its proportion, shape, and integrated woven textures.
A woven vessel rises from a square base into a body of vertical tan ribs secured by horizontal bands. A dark brown and tan diamond pattern decorates the narrowing neck in a tight, geometric weave. At the top, the mouth flares into a wide, flat circular rim. The straw-colored fibers create a ribbed texture on the lower half, while the upper portion features repeating diamond motifs in dark brown.

Sifting Basket

before 1915

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo or Angola, possibly Chokwe-style maker

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