The form of this vessel, which has a stirrup handle and incised floral motifs, is based on Kongo bottle shapes. It was handbuilt and signed by Voania Muba, a Woyo chief who was a self-taught potter. He worked exclusively for a European clientele during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is unique because the Woyo do not have a pottery tradition. Although Voania was assisted by his nephew during his lifetime, he had no apprentices to carry on his work after he died.
Description:
Spherical vessel with a stirrup spout handle that ends in the shape of a small pot. Panels on each side of the vessel are incised with the name Voania Muba. An incised leaf pattern appears on the body
Provenance:
Walshaert collection, Antwerp, before 1930
Published References:
Hexter, M. and W.R. Hopwood. 1992. Investigation of Decorative Coatings on Kongo Ceramics Using UV Light and FTIR Analysis. Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology III. Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings. 267: p. 305, no.8.
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