Palm wine, obtained from the raffia palm tree, is
the most popular beverage consumed in the
areas inhabited by the Kuba tribe. Today, plastic
cups or glasses are used for drinking it; however,
during the 19th and early 20th centuries,
decorated wooden cups were carved by several
tribes across the Southern Savanna. The Kuba
specifically are known for their figural and
cephalomorphic (head-shaped) cups. This vessel
is a perfect example of the masterful artistry of
the Kuba woodcarvers. Surely, this rare cup must
have been the possession of important dignitary.
While the head of this sculpture is traditional, the
body and base are exceptional. Most figural Kuba
wine cup depict truncated, abstracted bodies.
However, here the body is represented in full,
sitting atop an antelope. Riding in itself was
considered a mark of distinction, both in respects
to leisure and power. When one rides, one need
not walk like the common masses. As well, the
image of the rider can be associated with the
king, for a rider controls the wild beast much like
the king controls his empire. The naturalism of
the sculpting is extraordinary. From the
characteristic hairstyle with a flat hairline and
angles at the temples, to the tail that curves into
the handle. A cup such as this was certainly
originally carved as a prestigious display piece
for titled individuals of the Kuba tribe. Surely the
vessel’s inherent beauty and functional durability
rival or surpass that of any fine crystal stemware
or bejeweled chalice.
- (PF.5719)
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