Standing female figure ·  D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3042355

Description

wood, polychrome paint, striking bulky feet and hands of different size, facial features resembling the “mbuya” mask type, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
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.

The object Standing female figure with the object ID 3042355 was last part of the auction 86th Tribal Art Auction at May 27, 2017 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 454.

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

de Sousberghe, L., L' Art Pende, o.O. 1958, ill. 274