Grave figure "ntadi" · D. R. Congo, Yombe · ID: 3052635
Starting price
EUR 2,500
Estimated price
EUR 4,500
Provenance
Private CollectionPierre Loos, Brussels, Belgium (2001)
Guy van Rijn, Brussels, Belgium
Dutch Private Collection
Size
H: 58,5 cm
H: 23.0 inch
Description
steatit (soapstone), pigments, base
A similar figure, probably from the same workshop, see AHDRC 0020048.
These stone sculptures are idealized portraits and were placed on the graves of highly respected people. They are known as “bitumba” (sing. “tumba”). They are considered the seat of the dead spirits, who offered protection and are called “ntadi” (pl.“mintadi”).
Publications
AHDRC: 0019983