TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities "Altering The Way You View The World Of Art" |
Type of Object:
Ethnic Group:
Reference:
- Kuba Cup
- The Kuba people of Zaire create a vast assortment of
ornately decorated figurative cups that are acquired solely
for aesthetic reasons and the purpose of drinking palm
wine. This in itself is highly unusual in that these items are
independent of any spiritual connections or worship, which
is very rare in African art. The Kuba artist is kept busy and
there is never a shortage of such cups because anybody
can own one. There is a tremendous difference between
presentation and quality differences between Kuba cups.
The geometric patterns which ornament them such as this
example are similar to those found on Kuba textiles
Royalty, chiefs and dignitaries commissioned the more
exquisite selections such as this ceremonial cup. They were
fashioned into the shapes of heads and in special cases the
cup took the form of an entire human body, in a small size
scale. This effigy cup is carved from one piece of hard wood
that has obtained a fine patina from use. The features such
as the eyes, ears, mouth, nose, etched scarifications and
descending handles are clear cut and precise. This cup is a
source of prestige for the Kuba. It is carved in the likeness
of the Royal Bombo or Mbwoom helmet mask. Mbwoom
was the younger brother to the king, Woot (first human,
bringer of civilization and complement to Shyaam), a Pygmy
in Kuba royal mythology as well as representational of
commoners in general. During the men’s initiation rites
dance, the Mbwoom helmet masks along with the Mwaash
aMbooy (the king’s or Woot’s mask) engage in a mock fight
for the affections of the king’s sister. She is performed by a
masked persona known as Ngaady aMwaash (pawn
woman of Mwaash) mother of Woot, wife and sister of the
king and women in general.
Ethnic Group:
- Kuba Society
- Zaire
- Wood
Reference:
