Standing female figure
Didier Claes, Brussels, Belgium
Mark Eglinton, New York, USA
Description
wood, partly shiny patina, polychrome paint, min. dam., insect caused damage (heels, back), cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base.
The Kuyu people live on the east and west sides of the Kuyu River, which flows into the Congo River. According to first-hand documentation provided by the French colonial administrator Poupon, in his article “Etude Ethnographique de la Tribu Kouyo” (1918-1919), the Kuyu are divided equally between eastern and western groups. The western Kuyu compare their chief with a panther, and initiation ceremonies teach the secrets of the animal’s powers. Among the eastern Kuyu the serpent “ebongo” is the focus of initiation (“djo”), and his ancestors and offspring are represented in the carved wooden heads that are best-known form of Kuyu sculpture. Kuyu figures are far less common than heads.
Comparing literature
Vogel, Susan, For spirits and kings, African Art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman Collection, New York 1981, p. 196 f. Volprecht, Klaus, Sammlung Clausmeyer, Afrika, Köln 1972, ill. 118 f. Schmalenbach, Werner (Hg.), Afrikanische Kunst aus der Sammlung Barbier-Mueller, Genf, München 1988, p. 227Publications
AHDRC: 0013263