A Palm Wine Cup
H= 30 cm no stand .
CONDITION: Honey patina wood, a little hole in the leg, otherwise perfect condition.
This anthropomorphic palm wine cup is decorated with rhythmic geometric patterns that decorate all sorts of ritual objects, masks, textiles and these highly collectible ceremonial cups. The Lulua, Luntu, and Kuba people have been described as a people who cannot bear to leave a surface unadorned. It stems from a tradition that associates elaborate ornamentation with high status and prestige.
The details adorning the cups reflected the owner’s wealth, status and influence within the kingdom. Mbwoongntey designs are at times lively and spontaneous and at other times systematic and orderly. ..."
The figure on this cup is androgeneous, wearing a beard and clearly female sex.
- Object
- Cup
- Indigenous object name
- Basongolo- Provenance Patric Claes
- Ethnic group/ culture
- Lulua-Luntu
- Region/ country
- Congo DRC
- Material
- Wood
- Period
- Mid 20th century
- Condition
- Vintage - used with visible signs of wear
- Sold with stand
- No
- Dimensions
- 20×8×9 cm