Seated figure ·  D. R. Congo, Yombe · ID: 3033457

Description

wood, shiny middle brown patina, crossed legs, the right hand up to the chin, glass eyes with painted pupils, torso with rectangular cavity for insertion of magical mass, remains of magical mass on the head, four holes at the back, min. dam., cracks, on wooden base;
the great commemorative effigies of Yombe chiefs are very rare. The chief’s status is marked by the large proportions, ornaments worn at the arms, the finely woven cap with intricate geometrical patterns “mpu” (worn exclusively by the chief) and the stance. The stance “funda nkata” (crossed legs) is a sign of respect, its combination with the position of the head resting on the hand is the mark of a person who thinks before he speaks. Such is the figure of the ideal chief. These chief effigies were the central figures of commemorative altars, here, the very rare abdominal charge marks the remarkable importance of the individual depicted.

Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L. (ed.), Kongo Kingdom Art, China 2003, p. 292, ill. 8,24 Galerie Bernard Dulon (Hg.), Kongo, Paris 1991, ill. 26 f. Sotheby's Paris, 14 December 2011, lot 61 (comparable object)