Pigment blocks (sculpture)

Carved or sculpted blocks of pigment that are valued as sculpture rather than, or in addition to, for their use as a pigment. Prominent examples are those made by made by the Kuba peoples of the African nation of the Democratic Republic of Congo from dried tukula paste mixed with other ingredients such as sand, water, and palm oil. They are used as commemorative tokens of their deceased owners, and may be moistened and rubbed to remove pigment for use. The creation of carved blocks of pigment is also known in other cultures, including very ancient examples; some scholars believe Neanderthals carved pigment blocks.