Standing female figure
D. R. Congo, Pende/Kwese
not available anymore
Provenance
Jean-Marc Desaive, Soumagne, BelgiumSize
H: 40 cm
H: 15.7 inch
Description
wood, red colour, painted with indigo blue, black and white pigment, silver metal earrings, a compact body rising from bulky feet, clenched fists with drilled holes, slightly dam., crack (right face half), block-like socle;
concerning the statuary, Pende sculptors prefered feminine shapes.These statues are to be found in the dwelling of the chief, towards the back. Their role is to protect him, as a kind of supernatural guardian angel. Neither the chief nor his wife have the right to enter the room. A “room minister”, appointed by the maternal uncles of the chief, is charged with the care and the conservation of these sculptures.