Lot A104 - Pair of Figural Palm Wine Cups (Mbwoongntey)

Pair of Figural Palm Wine Cups (Mbwoongntey)

Kuba / Lele peoples, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Heights: 24 cm and 21 cm

Carved wooden figural drinking vessels depicting crouching human figures supporting a cylindrical cup above the head. The faces show stylized features with almond-shaped eyes, triangular noses, and finely incised linear scarification patterns. The tall conical coiffures are decorated with geometric cross-hatched motifs typical of Kuba artistic traditions.

Such vessels, known as mbwoongntey, were used during ceremonial occasions for the consumption of palm wine and served as prestige objects reflecting status and artistic refinement.

Dark brown patina with minor wear consistent with age and use. 20th century.