Lot 171A
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba peoples, ca. 19th to 20th century CE. This hand-carved wooden cup is a fascinating example of an anthropomorphic vessel used for drinking palm wine - the intricate coiffure and quality indicative of a luxury item for someone of prestige. The cup is in the form of a human head upon a circular base with a glass bead pendant strung around the neck. The visage presents a pair of huge, almond-shaped eyes under a raised scarification or tattoo line across brown and forehead, a flattened nose, high-set, ovoid ears, and linear scarification on the cheeks. The elaborate grid pattern incised into the top as the hairdo has an orderly geometric patterning - this is often the detail that determined whether these cups were used by royalty! A curved, figural handle arches back of the head to the base, and a pair of arms fold into the sides. A dark patina upon the surface of the wood adds a lovely finish to this already elegant piece! Size: 6.5" L x 5.5" W x 8.25" H (16.5 cm x 14 cm x 21 cm)
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Allan Stone collection, New York, New York, USA
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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#171613
- Condition: Losses to rim and chips. Old repairs to base with tin and nails and infill to fissure radiating from this area. Bead restrung on a new wire. Dark patina throughout.
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|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |