Taproom Artifacts from the Kuba Kingdom (circa 1850s) bring this African Region to Life

Located above the event space door, these artifacts weave a tale of the Kuba Kingdom region.

When you tour our taproom you’ll find an eclectic array of artifacts from around the world. Most of these relics represent a connection to a beer we’ve brewed. Our newest addition to the collection are two artifacts original to the Kuba Kingdom (circa 1850’s) which existed in a land today encompassed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Our new Kuba Coffee Ale celebrates the rich, often turbulent, history of coffee farming in this area. Partnering with our neighbor, Waterbean Coffee, we sourced beans from this area which provides the coffee aroma for this light, refreshing, coffee ale.

 Here are details of the artifacts you can see next time you’re enjoying a pint in the taproom.

Kuba Tapestry – This design is original to the Kuba Kingdom. The Kuba Kingdom was famed for its intricately designed textiles. Most of the colors utilized in their textiles were shades of brown or earth tones and symbolically represent the cycle of life — from birth to growth to aging and death.

 Kuba Scythe – This scythe dates from the same period. While the Kuba had items specifically identified as weapons, this scythe may have been either a tool or a weapon – or both. It was not uncommon for metal pieces to serve multiple purposes. During the reign of the Kuba Kingdom, they became experts in metal working which is demonstrated by the perfect curve of the scythe and how it was reinforced for strength.