Male figure/vessel

Museum number: UEM10192 

Material: wood and iron 

Region and culture: Kuba Kingdom

Description: Wooden vessel, carved as male figure.  

High-ranking people from the Kuba Kingdom used carved, prestigious objects to highlight their powerful position in society. These objects often had a symbolic and practical use or function. This carved vessel in an example of such an object.  

This type of carved vessel display a decorated and shaved hairline, which is a traditional style found amongst the most high-ranking people of the Kuba Kingdom. The geometric patterns visible on the man’s face is inspired by motifs embroidered on luxurious raffia textiles.  

The Ethnographic museum bought the vessel from B. Brodahl from Trondheim. Unknown date.