Congolese Wood Textile Hanger

A carver who turns a hanger into a small portrait has not wasted his afternoon.

This textile hanger is Republic of Congo, 20th century, twenty-eight inches of wood. Cloth was held on such rods for display and safekeeping, and many were given decorative heads. This one tapers to a point at one end and opens at the other into a carved, forked head with a hooked clasp, incised in neat chevron and herringbone. The wood is dark and well worn, with faint traces of reddish pigment along the shaft.

Practical, with a bit of personality. Like the best tools.