Congolese Wood Textile Hanger

A triangle on a stick, but a considered triangle.

This carved textile hanger, 20th century, from the Republic of Congo, stretches thirty-two and a half inches. Rods like it were used to hang cloth, and a decorative finial was common. The head is a triangular openwork frame with a small knob at its top, joined to the shaft by a short banded neck. From there the rod thickens into a long cigar-like body and tapers to a sharp point. The wood has a deep dark patina with a satiny sheen and light wear.

Display it flat or upright. It is agreeable either way.