Ancestor half figure · D. R. Congo, Kasongo · ID: 3032437
Philippe Ratton, Paris, France
Michel Gaud, Saint Tropez, France
Description
wood, partly shiny brown patina, of abstract form, a conical shaped trunk flanked by free carved arms, the bearded face crowned by a package filled with magical mass, min. dam., cracks, minor missing parts, slight traces of abrasion, on wooden base;
the Kasongo are a small ethnic group, only little documented in literature. They are neighbours with the Hemba, the Songe, the Bangubangu, the Kusu and the Tetela, which influenced them stylistically.
Aside big shrine figures, which are quite rare, the Kasongo mainly produced small magical figures. These could be attached to spears or inserted in calabashs or baskets. There are no characteristics of Kasongo sculpture, their style is a mixture of Lega and Songe influences.
Comparing literature
Mestach, Willy: L'intelligence des formes, Brüssel 2007, p. 113, ill. 029