Koro Wooden Cup Nigeria

A very good example of the Jaba and Koro figural cup.

The Jaba and Koro live in the north of the confluence of the Benue and Niger Rivers in one of the more poorly documented areas of Nigeria. Only a few objects have been attributed to either the Jaba or Koro, including headdresses and a particular form of figural carving that serves as a cup for the ritual drinking of palm wine. Wood-carvings from this area are often misidentified, as Koro carvers would sculpt dance crests and figures for the neighboring Jaba people. These highly abstracted dance crests, made of straw and sticks, were often worn in pairs on top of the head during agricultural ceremonies. Koro sculptors also carve abstracted anthropomorphic cups out of wood. Known as gbine, these cups are also found among the Jaba. Gbine are used during annual ancestor rites and during second burials. Palm wine or millet beer would be poured from the cup-like shape that forms the central abdomen of the figure. The contrast of shapes results in a sculptural play of curvilinear forms against the square outlines of the body. These cups are today highly prized by collectors due to their rarity and unique and abstracted forms. Most often carved as female figures, "gbine" would often be embellished with red seeds, beads, or bronze rings to replicate jewelry worn by the women. The scarification pattern of vertical marks is common to this area and seen on sculpture from neighboring groups. The patina of the figure and the worn surface speak to long use as a libation vessel.

Recommended Reading: Sieber, Roy. "Sculpture of Northern Nigeria," 1961. Sieber, R. and Tony Vevers. "Interaction: The art styles of the Benue River and East Nigeria." 1974.

Damaged. Can't stand on its own. Needs a base.

Height (In) 16.0
Width (In) 4.5
Depth (In) 5.0

152215