Congolese Kuba Wood Figural Spoon - Semi-Nude Female

Lot 56f

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686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
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Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more

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Indigenous Art - Ralph T. Coe Center, Santa Fe, NM by Artemis Fine Arts

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Indigenous Art - Ralph T. Coe Center, Santa F...

By Artemis Fine Arts

Aug 22, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-08-22 10:00:00 2025-08-22 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Indigenous Art - Ralph T. Coe Center, Santa Fe, NM https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/indigenous-art---ralph-t-coe-center-santa-fe-nm-20324 Featuring works of art from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a non-profit focused on promoting Indigenous Arts globally. All proceeds from the sale of these items will support future grants to Rehoming Program participants. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com

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Lot Description

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba people, ca. 1920 CE. Carved with careful attention to proportion and detail, this early 20th century Kuba spoon combines functionality with sculptural presence. The handle takes the form of a kneeling woman, her posture formal and composed, with hands resting on her lap. She is bare-chested, a feature characteristic of Kuba figural art, and her facial features are rendered with geometric stylization, framed by a patterned coiffure. The base of the figure sits upon a collar incised with interlacing motifs, leading into the smooth, elongated handle and well-worn bowl. A braided fiber cord remains tied at the junction of handle and bowl, suggesting it was once hung for storage or display. Size: 2.1" W x 9.9" H (5.3 cm x 25.1 cm); 10.4" H (26.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Among the Kuba, carved spoons such as this were not only utilitarian but also symbolic objects, often presented as prestige items and valued for the artistry of their handles. Figural spoons could serve as status markers, wedding gifts, or ceremonial items, reflecting the skill of Kuba woodcarvers and the cultural importance placed on daily objects as expressions of identity and social standing. The warm patina and signs of wear on this example speak to its history of use, while the finely executed carving preserves the elegance and dignity of its form.

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, acquired in 2010 via descent; ex-private collection of Ralph T. Coe, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, received as a gift ca. 2005; ex-Peter Furst

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#196124

Condition

Some stable fissures to wood, as well as indentations, nicks, and chips to surface, commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, intact and very nice with lustrous patina and impressively preserved detail.
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