Standing male power figure · D. R. Congo, Bwende/Bembe · ID: 3042042
Description
wood, reddish brown patina, black paint, eyes with blue-white ceramic inlay, old coin fixed to the forehead by brass tag, pierced hole for magical charge on the backside, skin scarification marks, slightly dam., abrasion of paint, base;
figures of the Bwende resemble those of the neighbouring Bembe and Teke. All three groups practice the “niombo” cult, performing certain rituals at the death of chiefs or dignitaries. Figures like the present could have been carved in reference for a deceased person.
The object Standing male power figure with the object ID 3042042 was last part of the auction 85th Tribal Art Auction at March 4, 2017 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 355.
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Publications
AHDRC: 0139857