Female ancestor figure · D. R. Congo, Baskasingo / Bembe (eastern) / Buyu · ID: 3046102
sold
EUR 1,200
Provenance
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 11. Juli 2009, Lot 375French Collection
Size
H: 32 cm
H: 12.6 inch
Description
wood, base
These figures depict important ancestors, not seldom even individually identified ancestors, called “bashumbu”. They were kept in small shrines under the authority and guardianship of of a village headman or dominant lineage elder and - in case of need- were asked for help and protection.
Comparing literature
Baeke, Viviane (ed.), Treasures from the Africa-Museum Tervuren, Tervuren 1995, ill. 200
Publications
AHDRC: 0014679