Caryatid stool
D. R. Congo, Kalundwe
sold
EUR 2,200
Provenance
O.M., Belgium (collected in 1925)Size
H: 42 cm
H: 16.5 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, raised scarification marks, the eyes inset with metal tags and painted in silver, min. dam., fissures, slight traces of abrasion, on wooden base;
the Kalundwe are a small ethnic group, having their homeland in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Although belonging to the Luba cluster, they are artistically influenced not only by the Chokwe, but also by the Kanyok, and of course by the other Luba groups, like the Luba-Shankadi, Luba-Shaba and Luba-Lomami. Like Kalundwe society itself, the art is class-conscious with certain objects reserved for the notables, f.e. decorated adzes, clan ancestor figures, double cups, staffs and stools.