Standing female figure ·  D. R. Congo, Mbala · ID: 3038206

Description

light brown wood, brown patina, cavities at the bottom (crypto fetish) and in the area of the head, raised middle crest and neck lobe, metal tag nipples, rep. (breakage left leg), cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
the Mbala live in the Southwestern area of Zaire. Aside of helmet masks, they have figures called “pindi”, which are usually part of a chiefs’ treasure. Some are representations of drummers “limba”, which are used in rites of succession of the land chiefs, but there are also maternities with children. Other anthropomorphic power objects include small male and female pairs, that “nganga” used for healing ceremonies.