Page 371 - Bonhams Cornette Saint Cyr, Property from the estate of Jean-Pierre Rousset (1936-2021)

A-Bämp crest, sometimes also called Koni, in
the shape of a stylised bird, is supported by
a rod that allowed it to be fixed in a basketry
structure placed on the dancers’ heads.
This type of crest was also used among the
various subgroups related to the Bagas. They
would have had a function in the recreational
and post-initiatory dances of the young boys
and were also linked to their new role as adult
men and future husbands. See F.Lamp, Art of
the Baga, New York, 1996.

371 370
PANNEAU DOUBLE KUBA/SHOOWA
République Démocratique du Congo
Raphia.
147.5cm (57 7/8in) x 38.5cm (15 1/8in).
€300 - 400

Provenance:
Robert Rousset, Paris (1901-1981)
Jean-Pierre Rousset, Paris (1936-2021)
La surface est richement ornée de motifs
géométriques traditionnels exécutés suivant
la technique dite des « velours du Kasaï ». Ce
type d’étoffe de prestige était destiné à de
multiples fonctions telles que tapis de siège,
ou de sol, ou encore de dot ou de linceul.

A DOUBLE KUBA/SHOOWA RAFFIA PANEL
Democratic Republic of Congo
The surface is richly decorated with traditional
geometric patterns executed in the so-
called ‘Kasai velvet’ technique. This type of
prestigious fabric was intended for multiple
functions such as seat or floor mats or as
bridal dowry or shroud. 371
THE ROUSSET COLLECTION | 369