Female figure ·  R. D. Congo, Pende · ID: 3032526

Description

wood, shiny dark brown patina, fragmentary (legs missing), scarification marks at the temples and elaborate carved coiffure, min. dam., cracks, missing parts, slight traces of abrasion, on base;
Pende sculptors preferred feminine shapes in relation with the belief that women are more successful in obedience and concentration. n particular, this artist has captured the “bedroom eyes” (“zanze”) believed essential to women’s power over men. The eyes are relatively small in size and the upper lids curve downwards to create the impression that they are nearly closed.