Zemanek-Münster

Figurally carved vessel lid ("proverb lid") ·  D. R. Congo, Bakongo · ID: 3048990

not available anymore
Size
L: 22,5 cm
B: 17 cm
L: 8.9 inch
B: 6.7 inch

Description

wood, missing part

This vessel lid is carved with particularly elaborate figures. In particular, note the physiognomy and body of the female figure seated on the stool and the expectant posture of the dog crouching in front of her.

According to Felix such vessel covers represented metaphorical scenarios and proverbs. They were the property of and retained by a female association that would lend them to women as need arose.

A woman who wished to communicate a complaint to her husband would use a lid symbolizing the appropriate message to cover his food vessel, which was then displayed at the serving of his meal taken with other males, obliging the man to act accordingly or lose face.


The object Figurally carved vessel lid (“proverb lid”) with the object ID 3048990 was last part of the auction 98th Auction at March 26, 2022 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 251.

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Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L. (ed.), Kongo Kingdom Art, China 2003, p. 163, cat. 4,26


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