Carved Ivory
Inscribed Ivory Napkin Rings
Vili peoples, Republic of the Congo
1890.1387, 1404, 1406

These ivory napkin rings were commissioned by Steckelmann from a Vili artist. They bear the personalized inscriptions of their owners. According to Steckelmann, the ivory carvers, who were not literate, were able to reproduce faithfully the letters furnished to them.

 

Back to Carved Ivory

 

Link to the Cincinnati Art Museum Webpage Link to Home