Cup
Pende Artist
Democratic Republic of the Congo

Details
Title
Cup
Artist/Maker
Pende Artist (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Date
Late nineteenth–early twentieth century
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
8 1/8 x 5 inches
Credit
Gift of Bernard and Patricia Wagner
Accession #
2004.230
On View
Currently not on view
A heart-shaped face animates this cup. The face tilts slightly to one side, giving the sculpture a subtly asymmetrical expression. Its central support balances on one foot. Pende sculptors carved such ceremonial cups to hold palm wine, a mildly intoxicating beverage made from the fermented sap of certain palm trees. Drinking palm wine was reserved primarily for initiated men.
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