H x W x D: 19 x 25.5 x 17.5 cm (7 1/2 x 10 1/16 x 6 7/8 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
19th century
Label Text:
Although this ceramic lidded vessel was made in Europe, probably in France, it was totally integrated into Kongo culture. The same pottery form would have been painted with Asian tiger stripes or perhaps the black of a panther. For Africa, the leopard is an emblem of leadership;selected for its beauty, its leathal nature and the skill and cleverness in how it hunts. Among the Kongo it would have been the prized possession place on a chief's grave or memorial shrine. While its foreign origin made it costly, its subject matter made it Kongo.
Description:
Oval lidded bowl of tin glazed earthenware with a three dimensional leopard on lid and painted leaves on sides of dish.
Provenance:
Allen C. Davis, Alexandria, VA, acquired Matadii, Democratic Republic of the Congo, circa 1978-2014
Exhibition History:
Artful Animals, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., July 1, 2009-July 25, 2010
Content Statement:
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