Cup
19th–early 20th century
Object PlaceLower Kasai region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/TechniqueWood, copper, porcelain
Dimensions22.86 cm (9 in.)
Credit LineGift of William E. and Bertha L. Teel
Accession number1994.423
On View
Not on viewClassificationsDecorative arts
Collections
Titles and status in the elaborate Kuba court structure were signified by prestige objects of handsome form and intricate detail, such as this vessel used for drinking palm wine. The head shown on the cup bears delicate geometric bands and a matched coiffure, the small face is enhanced by a copper strip and sweeping coiffure edges identified with the Ngeende sub-style. Such cups were often carved to order by specialized artists.
ProvenanceJos Walschaerts (dealer; d. 1982), Antwerp. August 5, 1992, sold by Marc Leo Felix (dealer), Brussels, to William and Bertha Teel, Marblehead, MA; 1994, partial gift of William and Bertha Teel to the MFA; 2014, acquired fully with the bequest of William Teel to the MFA. (Accession Dates: January 26, 1994 and February 26, 2014)
20th century
20th century
