Zemanek-Münster
Rare calabash, D. R. Congo, Bwende, Size: H: 22,5 cm (H: 8.9 inch), ID: 3043120
Rare calabash, D. R. Congo, Bwende, Size: H: 22,5 cm (H: 8.9 inch), ID: 3043120 - 2/4 Rare calabash, D. R. Congo, Bwende, Size: H: 22,5 cm (H: 8.9 inch), ID: 3043120 - 3/4 Rare calabash, D. R. Congo, Bwende, Size: H: 22,5 cm (H: 8.9 inch), ID: 3043120 - 4/4
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Lot 381
87th Tribal Art Auction

Rare calabash ·  D. R. Congo, Bwende · ID: 3043120

sold EUR 2,200
Provenance
Axel Emil Wennerström (1872-1912), Swedish Missionary
Size
H: 22,5 cm
H: 8.9 inch

Description

pumpkin, reddish brown patina, with scenic representation, plant fibre cord, min. dam., slight traces of usage, rattan base.
The engravings on the calabash depict a funeral ceremony with “niombo” figure. These large figures are made of textiles and were used as anthropomorphic “coffins"by the Bwende. The corpses are encased in these objects which may reach three meters in height. They were reserved for chiefs and other people of higher rank.

The object Rare calabash with the object ID 3043120 was part of the auction 87th Tribal Art Auction on November 11, 2017. The object with the lot number 381 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,200 with an asking price of EUR 1,400.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.

Comparing literature

Reikat, Andrea, Niombo, Begräbnisrituale in Zentralafrika, Köln 1990, p. 82, ill. 64

Africa

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