Brooklyn Museum: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Palm Wine Cup (Mbwoongntey)

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Palm Wine Cup (Mbwoongntey)

For centuries, among the Kuba, indications of personal status have been an important element in crafted objects. Even ordinary utilitarian items such as drinking cups for palm wine may indicate wealth and status through elegant carvings and decorations. Frequently, cups intended for use by rulers are carved in the form human head with a distinctive hairstyle associated only with royalty. Far more rare are cups carved with full figures.

Culture: Kuba
Medium: Wood, brass
Place Made: Lulua or Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dates: 19th century
Dimensions: 6 3/4 x 4 x 5 1/8 in. (17.1 x 10.2 x 13 cm)
Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
Accession Number: 22.1487
Credit Line: Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
Image: Overall, 22.1487_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007

Catalogue Description: Wooden cup for ritual drinking of palm wine, in the form of a human head, with handle. Decorated at hairline, between eyes at temples with brass tacks. Condition: Base chipped has been broken and repaired.

Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Palm Wine Cup (Mbwoongntey)