Figural cup "gbene" · Nigeria, Koro · ID: 3041469
Description
wood, encrusted blackish brown patina, traces of kaolin, in shape of a standing figure, carved with deeply hollowed oval receptacle in front of the belly, incised decor, slightly dam. (rim of receptacle), missing parts (feet), abrasion of paint, base;
this type of cup was used during ceremonial sacrifices and funeral rites to drink beer or palm wine. The double bowl enables two people to drink at once.
The object Figural cup “gbene” with the object ID 3041469 was last part of the auction 84th Tribal Art Auction at November 5, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 307 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,100.
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Comparing literature
Lebas, Alain (ed.), Arts of Nigeria in French Private Collections, Milan 2012, p. 282