Example of a Kongo power object (14,8 x 8,9 x 7 cm) Its power package is covered from view with a red textile, but X-ray CT makes it possible to reveal this object’s secrets. ®RMCA ®UGCT

Among the wide selection of wooden objects, the TOCOWO project aims to scan from the RMCA’s collection, are not only objects of use, musical instruments and sculptures, but also Congolese heritage objects that may contain secret or sensitive information. X-ray scanning reveals every inch of the object, inside and out, and can therefore uncover material, internal structures or additions that have been kept secret for many decades. Within the TOCOWO project, we ask whether this privileged knowledge is meant for the eyes of our researchers, and/or for the general public? An answer can only be formulated in collaboration with the object’s original makers, caretakes and users. Current efforts are made to open up dialogue with the source communities and document their perspectives about this issue. Until this collaboration is set up, and guidelines can be formulated for the best practices in the study and disclosure of Congolese heritage objects, we strive to be respectful to the source communities of the objects we study, valuing the preservation of their cultural and spiritual knowledge first and foremost –above any information about the material of the objects that might be extracted from the scans we make.