Seated bowl bearer "kabila mboko" ·  R. D. Congo, Kanyok · ID: 3034847

Description

wood, shiny dark brown patina, large hands, elaborate coiffure with two chignons, rep. (breakage left foot), min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion, wooden socle;
the functions of bowl bearing figures differ throughout the region, but they seem to have a close link to divination and healing. When a chief takes office his first wife hands him such a sacred receptacle with white earth (kaolin), a symbol of power. They are also considered as abode of the spirit who helps the diviner to heal the patient.

Littérature comparée

Felix, Marc L., 100 Peoples of Zaire and their Sculpture, Brüssel 1987, p. 51, ill. 4