Platter (inkoko)

Africa, DRC*, Rwanda/Burundi, Tutsi peoples

Coil basketry, twill, dark/light plant fibers, and thin stalks

Fibers have worn away on several areas on the perimeter

Late 19th to early 20th century

1’7 x 1’7    Mounted

Price: $3000
 

Large Tutsi platters are rare, and the design on this example is exceptional. Remarkable sheen and darkness of the fibers as well as the worn areas on the perimeter support its early date. As the centripetal force of the centermost pattern is expanded as well as abetted by the swirling ribs of the coils, the whole platter visually turns in orbit. The dark and light fibers bespeak shadow and light, as if the platter were passing in and out of the path of the sun.