Subject: nobleman as iyol warrior
Culture: Bushoong, Konda
Setting: Kuba kingdom, central Africa 19thc
Object: mbwoongntey wine cup
Kimbell Art Museum > The Language of Beauty in African Art *
"Cup 19th to early 20th century Kuba: possibly Bushoong; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wood and pigment ... When a man displayed and drank palm wine from this prestige cup,
he signaled his wealth, refinement, and power. Imagery evoking strength,
distinguished him in the complex hierarchy of Kuba society amid constant competition for rank and title.
Large, curving horns summon the ram's aggressive qualities, identifying someone who defies challenges from his rivals without fear.
The precisely shaved hairline and incised lines on the forehead point to wisdom. Crosshatched surfaces, incised motifs,
and thoughtfully composed facial features underscore the owner's access to an elite artist who possessed unusual skill."
* Kimbell Art Museum > The Language of Beauty in African Art
"Cup 19th to early 20th century Kuba;
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wood and pigment" ...
Dallas Museum of Art *
"Cup with a handle in the form of a hand (mbwoong ntey)
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kuba peoples Late 19th-early 20th century Wood and pigment ...
Kuba drinking vessels were carved out of wood or animal horn and decorated with geometric and figurative motifs
derived from body scarification and textile designs. This cup is distinguished by its handle, which is carved in the form of a hand.
Such cups were emblems of a warriors' association whose elite members had severed an enemy's hand in battle.
"A 19th-century visitor observed that when Kuba men traveled or visited friends, they carried their personal cup with them, tied to the waist."
Brooklyn Museum > Africa *
"Palm Wine Cups (Mbwoongntey) Unknown Kuba artist, 19th century Democratic Republic of the Congo Wood, copper alloy, brass ...
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 of a human head with a distinctive hairstyle associated only with royalty.
Far more rare are cups carved with full figures."
