Zemanek-Münster

Three miniature figures

D. R. Congo, Yaka
sold EUR 2,200
Provenance
a) Helmut Zake, Heidelberg, Germany
b) Antonio Fiacco, Zurich, Switzerland
Wolfgang Nerlich, Munich, Germany

Description

wood, dark brown or blackish patina, a) standing male power figure, h: 12 cm, the magical ingredients are kept in a pouch with inserted feathers attached to the left arm, slightly dam., socle; b) “mbwoolo” figure, h: 16,5 cm, a spirally grooved cylindrical body without limbs, metal socle; c) “mbwoolo” figure with only one leg, the body closely wrapped in fabric, the leg in cord material, drilled holes, metal socle;
“mbwoolo” figures were used for healing illnesses. A spiral-shaped torso symbolises bellyache or a general feeling of malady.


Comparing literature

Grootaers, J.-L., Eisenburger, I. (ed.), Forms of Wonderment, Vol. II, 2002, p. 532

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