Standing female figure · Angola, Luena · ID: 3035413
sold
EUR 1,800
Provenance
Albert Edward Davidson Ashe III, EnglandHe was a copper mine engineer in Belgian Congo from 1870 to 1906. In 1906 he brought the figure to England where it became part of his collection. After his death the figure remained family property up to nowadays.
Last owner of the figure was a great-grandson of Albert Edward Davidson Ashe III, Mr. D. R. Metcalf, North Carolina, USA.
Size
H: 58 cm
H: 22.8 inch
Description
wood, brown patina, blackened in parts, striking long legs, incised scarifications, typical facial features and coiffure, min. dam., small missing parts, cracks, slight traces of abrasion, socle;
the Luena have a matriarchic society system, which is why most of their sculptures are females representing protective spirits or female ancestors. The latter used to assist male diviners in their battles against the harmful or anti-social elements that threatened the community, because women were believed to have more influence in the manipulation of the supernatural.