Figurally carved handle of a fly-whisk ·  D. R. Congo, Bakongo/Vili · ID: 3036067

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, small traces of black paint, kneeling female figure with raised head, regular facial features with narrow eyes, a small cone shaped headdress, lozenge scarifications, slightly dam. (headdress, mouth), cracks (right leg), missing parts (platform), the surface structure of the handle marked by traces of insect caused damage, metal plate;
the scarifications, lozenges within lozenges, are a commentary on the figures cultural role, which is as the progenitor of a clan.