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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Masterpieces of African Art : Kuba Wooden Palm Wine Cup
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Kuba Wooden Palm Wine Cup - PF.4351
Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
Circa: 20th
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
8.5" (21.6cm) high
x 6.25" (15.9cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Kuba
Medium: Wood
£8,600.00
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
The magical powers that the shamans hold is
potent through time. This ritualistic drinking cup
is another image that reminds us of the powers
this high ranking man had from the Kuba tribe in
Zaire. It is important to notice the special
features this piece represents. The cubist style
seen in the carving out of the face gives it a
three dimensional quality. The application of
scaring individuals was usually done to men of
rank. This man or shaman has examples of this
scarification. The scaring fans out from above
the eye and continues down the face in diaganol
lines. The image of the face makes one believe
that this cup captures the power of the shaman
while he is in a spiritual trance. The positioning
of the head placed on two legs in the squat
position is a photograph in time capturing the
fluid movements while in the midst of an
acrobatic stylized dance. Most probably to bring
up the spirits to assist in curing a sickness. In
the world today it is hard to find representations
of such power and strength from a cup, but here
in this piece one can't help but be drawn into it.
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
are
specifically known for their figural and
cephalomorphic (head-shaped) cups. This vessel
is a perfect example of the masterful artistry of
the Kuba woodcarvers. 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.4351)
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