Pair of shrine figures
D. R. Congo, Zela
not available anymore
Provenance
Jean-Marc Desaive, Soumagne, BelgiumSrdjan Sremac, The Hague, The Netherlands
Piet Lepelaar, Leiden, The Netherlands
Size
H: 23,5 cm & 25 cm
H: 9.3 inch & 9.8 inch
Description
wood, colour pigments, each mounted on base
According to M. L. Felix, figures of the Zela appearing in male-female couples are representations of the primal ancestors. The motif was used in many ways. It is found on caryatid stools, neck rests, combs, dignitary staffs, musical instruments, etc.