Anthropomorphic Wooden Mortar Central Africa Rohner Collection

Anthropomorphic Wooden Mortar from Central Africa

This distinctive carved wooden mortar features a crouching figure supporting a broad, cylindrical vessel above its back. The figure is rendered with expressive facial features and carefully carved anatomical details, while the vessel and base are decorated with incised geometric patterns. The entire object has developed a rich, dark patina consistent with age and handling.

Anthropomorphic mortars of this type are associated with several cultures of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring Central African regions, including the Luluwa/Lulua and Chokwe. Such vessels could be used for grinding or preparing tobacco, snuff, medicinal substances, or other ritual materials. The incorporation of a human figure transforms a utilitarian vessel into a sculptural object, reflecting the importance of the human form in Central African artistic traditions.

The surface displays extensive age-related wear, including abrasions, patination, small losses and areas of discoloration consistent with its age and use. A compelling example of Central African functional sculpture with strong visual character.

Possibly Luluwa/Lulua or Chokwe.

Provenance: John R. Rohner Collection
Rohner, a museum curator for decades, aimed his practiced eye for authenticity to African art beginning in the early 1908s. His passion for this art only grew through the decades he built his collection––always with an aim for a broad and representative array of pieces. The collection appears in his book, Art Treasures from African Runners (2000, University Press of Colorado). 

Item #787 on pg. 267

Height (In): 5.5
Width (In): 3.0
Depth (In): 2.25

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