Ɵ Palm wine cup, Wongo People, Democratic... - Lot 71 - Giquello

Lot 71
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Estimation :
80000 - 120000 EUR
Ɵ Palm wine cup, Wongo People, Democratic... - Lot 71 - Giquello
Ɵ Palm wine cup, Wongo People, Democratic Republic of the Congo 19th century Wood with black patina and use H. 17.8 cm Palm wine cup, Wongo People, Democratic Republic of the Congo H. 7 in Provenance: - Sotheby's London, 30 November 1981, lot 253 - Helene and Philippe Leloup, Paris - Private collection The social organization of the Kuba kingdom was extremely hierarchical, under the domination of a powerful king and his council, living in the palace or mushenge of the capital. Every chieftaincy had to pay a tax to the court. Kuba history has been marked by numerous revolts by different ethnic groups to gain power. Kuba artists and craftsmen excelled in making prestigious objects for the court: rich fabrics, pipes, seats, cups, etc. The Kuba people were also known as the "Kuba of the Court". The Wongo people were distinguished by the carving of grotesque cephalo and anthropomorphic bowls, a possible allegorical warning of what was to come from the immoderate consumption of palm wine. Our beautiful example depicts a completely naked and strongly sexualized man standing with his hands behind his back. The complex scarification covering his body and face shows that he is an important individual. The superb patina on the piece is corollary to its use and its beautiful age.
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