Large standing figure
Loed van Bussel, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Description
wood, painted in traditional colours, with white and black pigment, red and yellow ochre, flat and slender body with thin limbs, standing with legs akimbo, round arms with both hands concealing the gender, a long neck supporting a large head with close-set eyes, striking plug-like projections to both sides of the hips, in front of the breast and at the back of the head, missing parts through insect caused damage (right side of the body, backside), fine cracks, abrasion of paint, base;
the plug-like projections represent the beaks of hornbills, which are clan emblem and symbol for head-hunting and ancestors. They might even refer to a mythical spirit called “ngwaal”. The figure is not designed for free standing, it could have been placed at the front side of a ritual or mens house.