Half figure · D. R. Congo, Basikasingo · ID: 3035718
Eduard Hess, Oberwil, Switzerland
Description
wood, slightly encrusted brown patina, remains of pigments, tribe-typical facial features with triangular facial plane and elongated chin, dam. (missing part at the back of the head through insect caused damage), base;
the Basikasingo have rites for ancestors, who have the power to cause disease and misfortune. If a mischief happened, people tried to experience the wishes of the ancestors by interpreting dreams and by soothsaying. They were kept in small shrines under the authority and guardianship of a petty chief, village headman or dominant lineage elder. Sometimes such figures were individually identified ancestors, called “bashumbu”.
The object Half figure with the object ID 3035718 was last part of the auction 75th tribal art auction at November 30, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 129.
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Exhibition
Oberwil, "Sprützehüsli", Exp.: Afrika - Schönheit und Formenreichtum, 17. 06. - 01.07. 1990, ill. Nr. 62