Zemanek-Münster

Tomb figure "ntadi" in the shape of a drummer ·  D. R. Congo, Lower Congo province / Northern Angola, Mboma · ID: 3048252

not available anymore
Provenance
German Private Collection, Rüthen
Size
H: 32,5 cm
H: 12.8 inch

Description

steatit (soapstone), missing parts

These figures are usually called “ntadi” (pl. “mintadi”), a term referring to the soft stone from which they are made; but they are also known as “bitumba” (sing. “tumba” ).

The “ntadi” are said to be representations of ancestors, commemorative figures of highly respected persons, that were placed on graves. The figures are not lifelike portraits, but reflections of how their patrons wanted to live on in memory.

According to other sources, they may also have served to mark land boundaries, as grave guards, or as a kind of proxy for tribal chiefs and rulers in absence.


The object Tomb figure “ntadi” in the shape of a drummer with the object ID 3048252 was last part of the auction 97th Auction at November 6, 2021 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 296.

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.


Comparing literature

Lehuard, Raoul, Art Bakongo, Statuaire en pierre sculptée, o. J., p. 1206


Notices

This object is subject to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Export documents are required for export (subjected to a fee).


Subscribe to our newsletter

Join over 10,000 tribal art collectors. Don't miss out on upcoming news and auctions.

Subscribe today