Ancestor figure ·  R. D. Congo, Basikasingo · ID: 3034723

Description

wood, reddish brown patina with remains of blackish paint, tube-shaped shoulders and arms densely enclosing the elongated trunk, helmet-shaped coiffure, face with elongated tapering chin and asymmetrical facial features, slightly dam., cracks (base, right side of head and body), paint rubbed off, minor missing parts (backside);
the Basikasingo have rites for ancestors, who have the power to cause disease and misfortune. If a mischief happened, people tried to experience the wishes of the ancestors by interpreting dreams and by sooth saying. They were kept in small shrines under the authority and guardianship of a petty chief, village headman or dominant lineage elder. Sometimes such figures were individually identified ancestors, called “bashumbu”.