Ceremonial Wine Vessel from the Mangbetu people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa

Cheers to a Good Hair Day

How much time do you spend on your hair every day? Do you comb, brush, curl, twist or braid? Do you unconsciously tug, pull, or run fingers through your tresses? If you can add up the amount of time spent avoiding bad hair days, you might be surprised to discover the answer. Yet, if you are a female member of the Mangbetu tribe in Africa’s Democratic Republic of Congo, no amount of time is too much time to spend on your hair.

This vessel depicts a Mangbetu woman with an elongated head and sculpted hairdo – both symbols of tribal prestige

This week’s New Arrival features a ceremonial Mangbetu wine vessel. It depicts a woman with an elongated head and elaborate coiffure. The Mangbetu once elongated female heads, which were always topped with elaborate hair dos to denote beauty, prestige and intellect. Today, head elongation is outlawed, but the practice of sculpting hair remains. Look closely; this vessel suggests change is inevitable and certain, just like tending to our hair. 

View Product ››