Standing male figure · D. R. Congo, Sikasingo- Bembe(eastern) - Buyu · ID: 3045637
sold
EUR 3,800
Provenance
Josef Mueller, Solothurn, SwitzerlandMusée Barbier-Mueller, Geneva, Switzerland
René David, Zurich, Switzerland (1985)
Hans Baumann (1926-2010), Bern-Muri, Switzerland
Koller, Zurich, 5 December 2011, Lot 328
Alfred W. Angst, Aeugstertal-Zurich, Switzerland
Size
H: 37 cm
H: 14.6 inch
Description
wood, base
Figures of the Sikasingo often represent individual ancestors, called “bashumbu”.
The figures should protect against mischief and disease, but could also inflict harm on enemies. They should foresee coming danger and ward off evil.
Depending on their size, they were intended for private use or for the community and were therefore kept at home or in the public shrines. They were under the protection of the village elders and tribal leaders and were ritually activated by fortune-tellers.
Expertise
René David, Zurich, 30 October 1985