Zemanek-Münster

Dance club "ebongo"

D. R. Congo, Kuyu
sold EUR 1,000
Provenance
German Private Collection, Heidelberg
Size
H: 46 cm
H: 18.1 inch

Description

wood, matt patina, polychrome paint, of typical form, surmounted by arch-shaped superstructure, min. dam., cracks, traces of abrasion, base;
used for the so-called “kébé-kébé” snake dance, which finished the initiation of young boys.The head sculptures were attached to staffs, which the dancers held high above their heads. Their bodies were completely concealed by long costumes and the heads abundantly decorated with feathers.


Comparing literature

Kerchache, Jacques & Jean-Louis Paudrat u.a., Die Kunst des Schwarzen Afrika, Freiburg, Basel, Wien 1988, p. 579

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