Figurally carved handle of a fly-whisk
D. R. Congo, Bakongo/Vili
not available anymore
Provenance
Josef Herman, Suffolk, Great BritainChristie’s Amsterdam, 12 December 2000, lot 250
Size
H: 23 cm
H: 9.1 inch
Description
wood, reddish brown patina, small traces of black paint, kneeling female figure with raised head, regular facial features with narrow eyes, a small cone shaped headdress, lozenge scarifications, slightly dam. (headdress, mouth), cracks (right leg), missing parts (platform), the surface structure of the handle marked by traces of insect caused damage, metal plate;
the scarifications, lozenges within lozenges, are a commentary on the figures cultural role, which is as the progenitor of a clan.