Original pipe bowl in the shape of a camel
D. R. Congo, Kasaï-Occidental, Bimbadi / Lulua
not available anymore
Provenance
Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels, BelgiumSize
H: 7,8 cm
L: 16,5 cm
H: 3.1 inch
L: 6.5 inch
Description
wood, metal,
A comparable object is in the holdings of the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium (Inv. no. EO.0.0.12236). It was acquired in 1913 by Rev. Father Cambier in the province of Luluabourg (from 1966 province Kasaï-Occidental).
This type of pipe was made by the Bimbadi people around 1910 and is said to have been very popular with the Europeans. The Bimbadi originate from the Demba region (between Lusambo and Luebo), where they mixed with the Lulua after the Portuguese left.
For a comparable object see AHDRC 0042990 (here assigned to the Democratic Republic of Congo).
Publications
AHDRC: 0189622