Standing figure · D. R. Congo, Azande · ID: 3032840
not available anymore
Size
H: 36,5 cm
H: 14.4 inch
Description
wood, middle brown patina, traces of black paint, the eyes inset with nail heads, brass ring, cord material with magical wooden plugs attached, slightly dam., crack, on base;
the best known sculpture of the Zande are the “yanda” cult figures of the “mani” secret society. These spirits protect against disease, infertility, and sorcery, as well as provide luck in hunting. Aside the Zande make wood figures that could be ancestors and which often appear in couples. Present figure might have been part of such a couple.
Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brüssel 1987, p. 202