Zaire, Kuba Figural Cup #1

Old carved wood cup with two human figures
The Kuba people of Zaire make a wide variety of wood carved utilitarian and decorative objects. All are finely carved and intricately decorated with lines drawn on the well-sculptured three-dimensional base.

This old ceremonial cup is carved from a single piece of wood, and is about 14.5 inches tall. the handle is a small human figure, and the carved pot of the top forms the bowl of the cup. I would guess it dates from about 1950, and has a very nice used patina. There are the normal signs of usage, with light rubbing and some soil in the grooves, as well as some very light dings all over. I have done nothing to clean or polish this carving, since I realize collectors often want objects in "as found" condition. See the photos below for more details. The bowl has a very nice line-carved decoration.