Yaka
Double-Sided Cup (Kopa)
Yaka, Late 19th century
Physical Qualities
Wood, 6 x 9.5 x 5 cm.
Credit Line
Anonymous Gift
Object Number
1998.368
The diminutive double cup called a kopa derives its unique shape from a species of gourd. Among Yaka and neighboring Suku peoples, a kopa belonged to a family’s atrilineal head uncle, or lemba, and served as a vital symbolic link to a family’s ancestors. Upon is deathbed, the lemba would recount the cup’s succession of owners and pass it on to his nephew successor. When used at drinking rituals, a lemba might select a young child for the privilege of sipping from his cup.
Nichole Bridges, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Hand Held: Personal Arts from Africa," Sept. 25, 2011-Feb. 5, 2012.
