Half figure · D. R. Congo, Kanyok/Shankadi · ID: 3036064
Jo de Buck, Brussels, Belgium
Description
wood, brown patina, in some areas encrusted, partly oily, decorating nails, face with pointed chin and slanting eyes, hole in the parting, remains of a plant fibre loincloth, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (base), slight traces of abrasion, base;
the Kanyok have their homeland in the central south of the Kongo, between the Lunda in the southwest and the Luba in the northeast. As with other peoples in the neighbourhood, the artworks of the Kanyok have strongly been influenced by the Luba and -occasionally- also by the Songe.
Their sculpture in mainly known for its anecdotical “genre” pieces representing people in various postures such as woman at work, embracing couples or prisoners. The exact function of the present figure is unknown but its most probably a protective figure.
Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brussels 1987, p. 51, ill. 12