Small seated figure

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Description

wood, middle brown patina, black paint, remains of kaolin, wearing a kind of belt made from plant fibres and cord, the eyes inset with porcelain, resin-like mass in the area of the head, small opening backside (“crypto fetish”), min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
according to Lehuard the tattoos mark the identity of the depicted person as well as her social rank. The term “crypto-power figures” was introduced by William Fagg. The cavity served for insertion of magical loading by the “nganga”, the sorcerer.
Antique object over 100 years; artist and wood unknown, no cultural assets

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Comparing literature

Lehuard, Raoul, Art Bakongo, Les Centres de Style, o.O. 1989, p. 347, ill. G 3-1-4 (presumably a work of the same artist)

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