Cup. Kuba. 13 cm H. - Figure - Kuba - Congo
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 700 - € 800
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Cup. Kuba. 13 cm H., a Kuba wooden cup from Congo, dating to the early 20th century, in good condition with a patina, measuring 13 cm high, 14 cm wide and 14 cm deep, provenance Private collection, France (old number 510).
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Figurative handle cup
Kuba, Congo, early 20th century
Wood
13 cm height and 14,5 cm long.
Good Contidion.
Provenance: Private collection, France, with old number "510".
Nice Patina.
The wooden cups of the Kuba ethnic group, native to central Africa (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), are much more than simple utilitarian containers: they represent a profound cultural, artistic, and symbolic expression. Hand-carved by skilled artisans, these cups are usually made from sturdy local woods and are characterized by their elegant shapes and balanced proportions.
One of the most distinctive features of Kuba cups is the presence of human or geometric figures carved in relief, which often serve as the cup's support. These figures are not randomly decorative: they symbolize ancestors, leaders, or ideals of status, fertility, and protection. In many cases, the cups were associated with political and social power and were used by chiefs, nobles, or high-ranking individuals during important ceremonies.
The decoration reflects the Kuba aesthetic, known for its taste for symmetry, repetitive patterns, and detailed handiwork. Each piece is unique and conveys the identity of the clan or artisan who created it. Today, Kuba wooden cups are valued both in their original cultural context and in museums and African art collections, where they are recognized as testimonies to a sophisticated and deeply symbolic artistic tradition.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateFigurative handle cup
Kuba, Congo, early 20th century
Wood
13 cm height and 14,5 cm long.
Good Contidion.
Provenance: Private collection, France, with old number "510".
Nice Patina.
The wooden cups of the Kuba ethnic group, native to central Africa (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), are much more than simple utilitarian containers: they represent a profound cultural, artistic, and symbolic expression. Hand-carved by skilled artisans, these cups are usually made from sturdy local woods and are characterized by their elegant shapes and balanced proportions.
One of the most distinctive features of Kuba cups is the presence of human or geometric figures carved in relief, which often serve as the cup's support. These figures are not randomly decorative: they symbolize ancestors, leaders, or ideals of status, fertility, and protection. In many cases, the cups were associated with political and social power and were used by chiefs, nobles, or high-ranking individuals during important ceremonies.
The decoration reflects the Kuba aesthetic, known for its taste for symmetry, repetitive patterns, and detailed handiwork. Each piece is unique and conveys the identity of the clan or artisan who created it. Today, Kuba wooden cups are valued both in their original cultural context and in museums and African art collections, where they are recognized as testimonies to a sophisticated and deeply symbolic artistic tradition.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Title
Cup. Kuba. 13 cm H.
Country of Origin
Congo
Material
Wood
Ethnic group/ culture
Kuba
Colour
Beige
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
13 cm
Width
14 cm
Depth
14 cm
