Standing female figure with tropical helmet ·  D. R. Congo, Bembe · ID: 3040134

Description

wood, matt shiny dark brown patina, white paint, eyes with white porcelain inlay, characteristic body scarifications, cavity on the backside, abrasion of paint, wooden base;
the opening on the backside was used by the “nganga” to give vital force to the figure, afterwards it was filled with magical material and then closed with a piece of fabric or a plug. As long as the spirit stayed within the statue, it watched over his descendants and punished contempts against customs and rules.

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