Amulet "mikisi mihasi", 19th century
D. R. Congo, Luba
sold
EUR 1,000
Provenance
Colonial Collection, BelgiumHoward Nowes, New York, USA
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 5 March 2011, Lot 345
Werner Zintl, Worms, Germany
Size
H: 11 cm
H: 4.3 inch
Description
tooth (Hippopotamus amphibius), base
These predominantly female pendants, mostly carved out of the curvature of a tooth, are supposed to commemorate certain, particularly revered ancestors. In their honour, the figurines are regularly rubbed with oil. They were mostly worn on the body, sometimes they are also said to have been attached to the scepters of chiefs.
Publications
AHDRC: 0030284
Notices
This object is subject to CITES. Please note that it can only be sent within the European Union. At the present time export in third countries is prohibited, respectively, export licenses in third countries for objects containing or made of protected materials are only granted under stringent conditions.