Kuba — Democratic Republic of the Congo
Circa 1900
Wood
Height: 6½ in (16.5 cm)
Provenance: Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, CA, before 1960
This cup is carved in the form of a human head, with a finely modeled face, almond-shaped eyes, and scarification marks on the forehead and cheeks. The upper portion of the head is carved with an elaborate band of openwork and incised geometric patterning that serves as both coiffure and the functional rim of the vessel. Kuba figural cups of this type are among the most formally accomplished objects in the Kuba woodcarving tradition, combining the refined facial modeling associated with Kuba portraiture with the geometric surface decoration characteristic of the kingdom's visual language.
The deep dark patina and smooth worn surface of the face contrast with the textured geometric band above, giving the object a strong formal presence. The piece was in the collection of Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, before 1960, a provenance that places it within the pre-1960 collecting period now recognized as significant for establishing early Western ownership of African works.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Kuba — Democratic Republic of the Congo
Circa 1900
Wood
Height: 6½ in (16.5 cm)
Provenance: Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, CA, before 1960
This cup is carved in the form of a human head, with a finely modeled face, almond-shaped eyes, and scarification marks on the forehead and cheeks. The upper portion of the head is carved with an elaborate band of openwork and incised geometric patterning that serves as both coiffure and the functional rim of the vessel. Kuba figural cups of this type are among the most formally accomplished objects in the Kuba woodcarving tradition, combining the refined facial modeling associated with Kuba portraiture with the geometric surface decoration characteristic of the kingdom's visual language.
The deep dark patina and smooth worn surface of the face contrast with the textured geometric band above, giving the object a strong formal presence. The piece was in the collection of Constance McCormick Fearing, Santa Barbara, before 1960, a provenance that places it within the pre-1960 collecting period now recognized as significant for establishing early Western ownership of African works.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
