Rare figural pottery
D. R. Congo, Solongo
not available anymore
Provenance
Galerie Fred Jahn, Munich, GermanySize
H: 25,5 cm
B: 26 cm
H: 10.0 inch
B: 10.2 inch
Description
terracotta, dull brown patina, red and black paint residues,
According to Polfliet, this type of vessel was placed on smaller ancestral shrines and libations were offered to it for deceased ancestors of the family group.
The prestige vessels are also said to have been used in wedding ceremonies, with the pair of figures modelled on them to symbolise the ancestral couple (Kongo Kingdom Art, 2003, p. 127, Cat.3,4).
Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L. (ed.), Kongo Kingdom Art, China 2003, p. 127, Cat.3,4Publications
Expo cat.: "Anthropomorphe Gefäßkeramiken aus Zaire" / "Anthropomorphic Terracotta Vessels of Zaire", by Leo Polfliet, Munich: Fred Jahn, 1987, p. 41, cat. 13AHDRC: 0042645