AAA492 medicinal bottle

A traditional Louba vessel with a carved stopper

The AAA492 medicinal gourd offered by Versmissen is a 20th-century piece from the Louba tribe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It combines a gourd, wood and feathers in a natural colour palette. Measuring 14 × 12,5 × 27 cm, it features a carved stopper shaped like a miniature head.

Gourds of this kind were often used as sacred vessels to hold medicines and oils passed between different people. Their wooden stoppers were carefully crafted and reproduced, on a smaller scale, heads similar to those seen on larger sculptures or masks. The feathers complete the composition of this object associated with the region's cultural and spiritual practices.

Details of the AAA492 medicinal gourd

• Traditional vessel with a medicinal function
• Made from gourd, wood and feathers
• Wooden stopper depicting a miniature head
• Origin: Louba tribe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dimensions: 14 × 12,5 × 27 cm