Artistically engraved calabash, around 1930 · Madya, Benoit, Kitombe, D. R. Congo · ID: 3046259
sold
EUR 1,800
Size
H: 22 cm
H: 8.7 inch
Description
pumpkin, kaolin, fire blackening, engraved “Madia Kitombe” and inscribed “Dilu”
The engravings of the calabash show two drummers and six figures in splendid robes with foliage inbetween.
Gourds of this type are decorated with motives based on Kongo proverbs, folk-tales and fables. The tradition of engraving calabashes is ancient but these narrative, realistic icons are geared at an expatriate public.
Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L. (ed.), Kongo Kingdom Art, China 2003, p. 311