GJPaw Auctions is pleased to offer a stunning Milk Vessel from the Hima People of Uganda, or the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa. Hima art is profoundly religious and the ‘cult of the ancestor’ is an important part of their social and spiritual life.  Most of their art consists of minutely carved wooden figures - idealized images of ancestors - that can be identified by extensive scarification on the abdomen. The stylishly decorated metal detailing on these (otherwise) quite utilitarian looking wooden vessels is probably derived from these traditional scarification patterns and designs. Such vessels were used in small purpose-built shelters containing ancestral relics, where regular libations of palm wine and food were offered to the muziri an anthropomorphic power figure, composed of plant material covered in red fabric. The vessels can be seen as superbly abstracted representations of the human figure and demonstrate the importance of the body in the ritualistic practice of maintaining contact with the dead. This highly characteristic and beautiful piece is made of wood with metal detailing and measures 6.75 inches in diameter by 18.0 inches in height (17.1 cm by 45.7 cm). It shows wear consistent with use, including small scrapes, scratches, chips and cracks that are a normal part of the patina. It probably dates to the mid-20th century. Guaranteed authentic, it would make a fine collector’s piece for anyone involved in African art.

 GJPaw Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the globe at Primitive in Chicago.  Every object we sell online has been carefully hand-selected with special attention to detail, quality, and significance. We ship worldwide. Add GJPaw to Sellers you Follow and please take a moment to look at our other auction items.

A1300-194