This rare Pygmy baby sling or carrier from the forest region of north-eastern DRC has an amazing contemporary appearance, yet it was created to be totally functional. The carrier is made from multiple strands of twisted and knotted raffia fibre attached to the main body of a woven-raffia bodice. The costume consists of two layers of a sealed and woven together under-carry, which acts like an animal pouch, protecting the baby when it is carried.
Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century
Ex Private Collection, Belgium
Note: The carrier has been custom mounted onto a backing board that has been cut into shape so the the piece when hung is not flat to the wall, this was
done to give the whole costume more depth and contract.
(Click on images to enlarge)
