Standing female figure ·  D. R. Congo, Bwaka · ID: 3033522

Description

wood, brown patina, black paint in some areas, compact body with short stump arms and massive neck, slightly dam., cracks backside, rep. (the right foot tip fixed by nails), on block-like pedestal;
most of Bwaka sculptures are depictions of “seto” and “nabo”, the earliest ancestor couple. A pair of figures representing these personages is found in almost every home as well as in many ceremonial areas.They vary in size from personal charms to almost life-sized figures.They are placed on an altar and receive offerings in order to avoid misfortune.

Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brüssel 1987, p. 120