Standing figure "mbem" ·  D. R. Congo, Yanzi · ID: 3033518

Description

wood, matt patina, remains of pigments, charged with magical mass at the abdomen, parallel cheek scarifications, min. dam., fissures, slight traces of abrasion, on base;
it is difficult to define a consistent Yanzi style, because a lot of objects were bought from surrounding ethnies or pervading traders. Here we see a striking similarity to the facial design of the Teke. Present figur possibly a type called “mbem”. These figures fulfill specific duties: protecting against illness, assuring fertility, searching for thieves etc.

The object Standing figure “mbem” with the object ID 3033518 was last part of the auction 70th tribal art auction at September 8, 2012 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 486.

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.