GJPaw Auctions is very pleased to offer a superb Ceremonial Libation Cup called Mbwoongntey from the Kuba People, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa. The Kuba Kingdom was created in the 17th century when 19 separate ethnic groups were united under one king. The life of the Kuba is organized in minute detail from the family level to the political sphere, which consists of a union of chiefdoms recognizing the authority of the “Nym,” the ruler of the Bushoong group. Each chiefdom is independent in its internal affairs, and almost independent in external affairs. The kingdom’s forces of cohesion are military supremacy, tradition, spiritual respect, and royal patronage of the arts. Collectively, all art forms produced by the Kuba peoples can be considered “court art.” Kuba art is renowned for their use of rhythmic geometric patterns that decorate all sorts of ritual objects, masks, textiles and these highly collectible ceremonial cups. In many areas of Africa, palm wine played a central role during ceremonies. Palm wine is an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm trees. The Kuba people from today’s Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa, particularly value palm wine and special cups meant to hold the beverage. One Kuba proverb, states: "Man is like palm wine – sweet youth lacks wisdom and old age lacks sweetness of character." It describes the fleeting sweetness of the drink, which quickly becomes sour acidic vinegar if left to ferment for longer than a day. In the Kuba Kingdom, the distribution of wine was considered a gracious act of hospitality and intricately carved cups called Mbwoongntey, were prestige objects and works of art meant to contain the drink. Like other examples of Kuba prestige objects, details adorning the cups reflected the owner's wealth, status and influence within the kingdom. Similar to Kuba textile patterns, Mbwoongntey designs are at times lively and spontaneous and at other times systematic and orderly. Etchings around the rim of the cup represented the traditional hairstyles of nobles, exposing the forehead to emphasize its importance as the center of wisdom and rationality. Serene facial expressions and a small, closed mouth also symbolized the value of contemplation before speech. Carved by special request to the master craftsmen of the kingdom, every cup is a visual display of the ideals and refinement dear to Kuba nobility, titleholders and the king. This superb example measures 3.75 inches in width by 4.0 inches in depth by 8.0 inches in height length (9.52 cm by 10.1 cm by 20.3 cm). It is in very good condition. A fabulous collector's item, it comes from an important Midwest collection of African art. Guaranteed authentic, it should be a welcome addition to any collection of African art. 

 GJPaw Auctions has been in the Art business for over 35 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay. Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to customers across the Globe at Primitive in Chicago. Every object we sell online has been carefully hand-selected with special attention to detail, quality, and significance. We ship worldwide. Add GJPaw to Sellers you Follow and please take a moment to look at our other auction items.

A1500-381