Standing female figure "pindi"

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Description

wood, rich reddish brown patina with traces of black paint, heavy breasts, a broad face with “lowered” lids, raised middle crest and neck lobe, slightly dam. (mouth, ears), missing part (left forearm/already missing in 1973, see K. F. Schaedler), on base;
aside of helmet masks, the Mbala carve figures called “pindi”, which are usually part of chiefs’ treasure. Present figure could have been part of a male/female pair that “nganga” used for healing ceremonies. The accentuation of the breasts could as well be a hint, that the figure was used at fertility rites.

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Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brüssel 1987, p. 102 f.

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Publications

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Afrikanische Kunst in Deutschen Privatsammlungen, München 1973, p. 342, ill. 492

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