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Bowl

Kuba

Artwork Details

Bowl
circa 1890
Kuba
ceramic, tukula powder, and fiber
4 1/2 in x 7 in (11.43 cm x 17.78 cm)
Gift of Pierre Darterelle
1985/1.170

Description

Subject Matter:

Kuba artists apply their bold and sophisticated surface designs to both ceremonial and everyday objects alike. Objects such as drums, boxes, stools, backrests, knives, swords, bangles, wisdom baskets, staffs and fly whisks were typically reserved for the king and his courtiers. However, these objects, in addition to cups, rubbing oracles, pipes, combs, drinking horns, ritual spoons, and scepters, also served specific religious and ceremonial functions, or were simply everyday objects for common use. Whether they were related to prestige, used as divination objects to protect the community, or simply served as conversation pieces for decoration, the commonality these objects often share are the elaborate geometric patterning and lavish surface design.

This bowl contains red camwood powder, tool or twool, which is used abundantly on Kuba carvings. It is also smeared on clothing and used in times of mourning.

References:
Daniel Biebuyck, The Arts of Zaire, 1985
Roy Sieber, African Textiles and Decorative Arts, 1972
Jan Vansina, The Children of Woot, 1978

Physical Description:

Cylindrical bowl with small lip at the top opening. The bowl has a small circular handle and a piece of stringed fiber looped through it. 

Usage Rights:

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