Congolese Wood Textile Hanger

A length of raffia must hang flat to be properly seen. Someone in the Republic of Congo carved the rod for it.

Forty-three and a half inches, 20th century, wood. The shaft tapers gently to a rounded point at one end. At the other, a small openwork collar is cut through with triangular windows. The wood is deep reddish-brown with a soft sheen from handling, and fine tool marks run along its length.

Hang it bare, or let it carry cloth again. It will not mind either.