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Pipe

Kuba

Artwork Details

Pipe
circa 1925
Kuba
wood
1 7/16 in x 7/8 in x 1 7/8 in (3.65 cm x 2.22 cm x 4.76 cm);3 1/8 in x 3 5/8 in x 1 7/8 in (7.94 cm x 9.21 cm x 4.76 cm)
Museum Purchase made possible by the Friends of the Museum of Art
1986/1.213

Tags

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 pipe is designed with a figurative head. Pipe smoking was considered to be an activity associated with royalty. 

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 vessel carved in the shape of a human head. The top of the head is designed with cross-hatching marks and a hole is carved into the crown of the figure's head.

Usage Rights:

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