Democratic Republic of the Congo

This region is home to numerous cultures and their art.

16th-20th century

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European patrons encouraged artists to include human forms on objects that were previously nonfigurative.

This stool reminds the king to thank his mother for his power, and is so important that it has its own bodyguard.

Though many raffia textiles were made as garments for and by both men and women, this one was intended for display.

During its brief fling with Christianity, the Kongo kingdom merged western iconography with local aesthetics.

Long before the advent of cell phones and social media, the Luba had invented their own handheld memory device.

This mask was made and worn by men, but its purpose is to honor women who have bravely survived childbirth.

The king did not sit for this portrait; in fact, the artist carved it without directly observing his subject.

These fascinating spiritual figures became prime targets for the ire of Christian missionaries in the 19th century.

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