Woyo Proverb Lid, Democratic Republic of the Congo
diameter 8 7/8in (23cm)
Wood
Provenance:
Richard and Susan Lee Collection, Washington, collected between 1979-85 while working in Kinshasa on an electrification project
"These sculptural traditions of the Woyo people of the Cabinda area of Angola near the mouth of the River Zaire relate closely to their oral literature. Carved pot lids carry messages from a disgruntled spouse to her (and sometimes his) mate: the symbols on the pot lid illustrate proverbs expressing a particular grievance. By placing a special lid on the pot of food that she serves her husband in the presence of others, a wife makes her complaint public. With equal effect, the husband may return the food dish with a lid that expresses his dissatisfaction." (Robbins and Nooter, 2004, p 356)
Wood
Provenance:
Richard and Susan Lee Collection, Washington, collected between 1979-85 while working in Kinshasa on an electrification project
"These sculptural traditions of the Woyo people of the Cabinda area of Angola near the mouth of the River Zaire relate closely to their oral literature. Carved pot lids carry messages from a disgruntled spouse to her (and sometimes his) mate: the symbols on the pot lid illustrate proverbs expressing a particular grievance. By placing a special lid on the pot of food that she serves her husband in the presence of others, a wife makes her complaint public. With equal effect, the husband may return the food dish with a lid that expresses his dissatisfaction." (Robbins and Nooter, 2004, p 356)
Estimate:
US$ 3,000 - 5,000
€2,300 - 3,900
£2,000 - 3,300
€2,300 - 3,900
£2,000 - 3,300
Category: Ethnographic Art / African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art
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Fredric Backlar
Bonhams
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African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art