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. The head is emphasized
above all else; the truncated neck and circular
flaring base are much of an afterthought. The
facial features are finely delineated, specifically
the arching brows, almond-shaped eyes, and
strongly defined jaw line. Decorative, or perhaps
ceremonial, scarifications can be seen along the
temples and forehead. The distinctive hairline is
actually representative of a typical Kuba coiffure:
the hair was pulled back and the hairline was
shaved straight across the top of the forehead
except for a sharp angle at the temples. A
handle, carved with a small head on it, rises out
of the back of the head and curves down into the
nape of the neck. Most intriguing is the looping
pattern, reminiscent of the infinity sign with an
extra circle, carved on the back of the head
above 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.5712)
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