Half figure
R. D. Congo, Basikasingo
n'est plus disponible
Provenance
Maria Wyss, Basel, Switzerland (1976)Eduard Hess, Oberwil, Switzerland
Taille
H: 24,5 cm
H: 9.6 inch
Description
wood, slightly encrusted brown patina, remains of pigments, tribe-typical facial features with triangular facial plane and elongated chin, dam. (missing part at the back of the head through insect caused damage), base;
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 soothsaying. 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”.