Spirit protector figure "yanda" ·  D. R. Congo, Azande · ID: 3027871

Description

wood, stained middle brown patina, brass ring, yellow glass bead eyes, compact body with short limbs, supporting a large and flat head with slanting face halfes, rudimental facial features, slightly dam., cracks, abrasion of paint, base;
cult figures “yanda” belong to the “mani” secret society. They protect against disease, infertility and sorcery, and bring good luck to hunters. “Yanda” could be male, female or zoomorphic. The aestethic appearance of the figure has nothing to do with its efficacy. Crucial factors for the Azande are the sacred wood, special consecration and continued care of the figures in small shrines outside the village.

The object Spirit protector figure “yanda” with the object ID 3027871 was last part of the auction 77th tribal art auction at June 28, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 437 achieved a sales price of EUR 8,500.

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Comparing literature

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, Munich 2009, p. 634 Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brussels 1987, p. 202 f.