Congolese Wood Textile Hanger

A leaf, or an arrowhead, in open wood, at the top of a long rod.

Throughout Central Africa, cloth was a practical and a prestigious material, used for dress, gifts and exchange, and the implements made for it often got a skilled carver’s attention. This hanger comes from the Republic of Congo, 20th century. The openwork loop at the top is elongated and pointed, above a carved collar with fine notched bands. From there the shaft runs smooth to a sharp point, a little over three feet in all.

Deep reddish-brown, darker in patches, with an even, handled finish.

Spend a minute at the finial.