Standing female ancestor figure "beli"
Description
wood, rich shiny black patina, pupils of miniature glass beads, with arms akimbo, while the big hands are held in some distance from the body, head with fleeing forehead and Mangbetu characteristic hairstyle, scarification marks on the face, naturalistic appeals (collarbone, ankles), dam., scratches, cracks, minor missing parts (coiffure), rep. (a small piece of wood between the bladebones reinserted);
depicting a woman of high rank, heavy breasts and bulging abdomen referring to soon motherhood. Figures of the Mangbetu are rare and can be looked upon as ancestor figures in general. Their style is affected by a lengthened skull, the most outstanding beauty ideal of Mangbetu aristocracy. Individuals of advanced age among the Mangbetu still designate these statues by the name “beli”. According to them, they were used in hidden locals by the secret society of the name “nebeli”.
Im former times the Mangbetu had a prosperous kingdom. Their art in general is court-oriented, and was reserved for the ruling classes. It reflected wealth, and prestige of its owners and therefore was mainly restricted on the design of basic commodities and ritual objects which is why figures are rather rare to be found.