Standing female ancestor figure · D. R. Congo, Chokwe · ID: 3033330
American Collection, New York
Description
wood, shiny light and dark brown patina, metal earring, tribe-typical facial features and scarification marks, elaborate carved coiffure, min. dam., minor missing parts (toes), slight traces of abrasion, on wooden base;
female statuettes carved in the classical Chokwe style are much rarer than male ones.The lack of body scarifications suggests that it represents a young woman. Besides serving as an ancestral portrait, the figure represents the potential of all young women to become accomplished members of Chokwe society.
The object Standing female ancestor figure with the object ID 3033330 was last part of the auction 70th tribal art auction at September 8, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 390.
You can find more Figures and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Comparing literature
Jordán, Manuel (ed.), Chokwe!, München, London, New York 1998, ill. 10 f.