Standing male figure

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Description

wood, reddish brown patina, accentuated genital, hands resting in front of the breast, an oval face with big eyes, hanging lids and drilled noseholes, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion, on wooden base;
the Mbala live in the Southwestern area of Zaire. Aside of helmet masks, they have figures called “pindi”, which are usually part of a chiefs’ treasure. Some are representations of drummers “limba”, which are used in rites of succession of the land chiefs, but there are also maternities with children. Other anthropomorphic power objects include small male and female pairs, that “nganga” used for healing ceremonies.

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Comparing literature

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brüssel 1987, p. 103, ill. 5

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