Grave figure "ntadi" (pl. "mintadi") · D. R. Congo, Lower Congo province / Northern Angola, Bambona · ID: 3049300
not available anymore
Size
H: 50,5 cm
H: 19.9 inch
Description
steatit (soapstone),
The “ntadi” are said to be commemorative figures of highly respected persons that were placed on graves. Hence the designation of the figures as “bitumba” (sing. “tumba”). The figures are not lifelike portraits, but reflections of how their patrons wanted them to live on in memory.
It is unusual that here a female figure is represented in reflective posture “fumani”, which is usually reserved for male figures.
Comparing literature
Allison, Philip, African Stone Sculpture, New York 1968
Notices
This object is subject to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Export documents are required for export (subjected to a fee).