Itwomba 19th-20th century

This lidded box in the form of an elephant, or "Itwomba," was carved from wood by a Kuba artist, sometime in the past. Its dark color comes from a combination of the wood itself, and the staining and polishing that gives it such a tactile appeal. Consider the making process involved. The artist would have begun with a single piece of wood, carefully selecting a fine-grained, dense type ideal for carving. Using tools like adzes and knives, they would have slowly and methodically shaped the elephant's body. Notice the crisp, geometric patterns that adorn the surface, these were likely achieved with specialized carving implements. The level of precision is remarkable, reflecting both technical skill and a deep understanding of the material. These boxes had a function, they were containers, and their value lay in the ways they were made and decorated. This demanded not only artistry, but also time and commitment, with their creation imbued with cultural significance. The act of carving itself becomes a way of celebrating both the animal, and the community in which it was made.