Cup
Cup
Place of OriginDemocratic Republic of Congo
Date19th-20th Century
DimensionsOverall: H: 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)
Mediumwood
ClassificationSculpture
Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, by exchange
Object number
2025.159
Not on View
DescriptionCarved wooden cup with cylindrical body tapering slightly at the base.
Vessel is surmounted by four projecting human faces carved in high
relief, set equidistantly around the exterior. Each face has an elongated
oval form with arched brows, almond-shaped eyes, prominent nose, and
slightly parted lips. Hairline and coiffure areas are textured with
crosshatched incisions, one section inset with a cowrie shell surrounded
bcy raised studs. Remaining coiffure panels feature circular or
geometric studded patterns. Neck of the cup encircled by bands of
geometric carving including interlace, stepped motifs, and linear
borders. Surface is smooth and polished, with dark brown patina
Published ReferencesMaes and Lavanchery, L'art nègre à l'exposition du Palais des Beaux- Arts du 15 novembre au 31 décembre 1930 , 1930, p. 97, pl. 33Exhibition HistoryPalais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels, Art Nègre , November 15—December 31, 1930Second half of the 1st century CE
19th-20th century
Perhaps late first or 2nd century
about 450 BCE
late 19th-early 20th century
Probably first half of the 1st century
20th Century
about 200 CE
Late 19th century
Probably early 3rd century
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