Kuba royal dignitary statue – 'little king' - Kuba - DR Congo (No reserve price)
03
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Current bid
€ 7
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
12 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 7654 | €7 | |
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 Bidder 4360 | €6 | |
| Bidder 7654 | €5 | |
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Wooden statue of a Kuba royal dignitary, the “little king”, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mid-20th century Kuba culture; 28 cm high, 9 cm wide, 9 cm deep, 803 g, in good condition, from a private collection, not supplied with a stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This wooden sculpture depicts a royal dignitary from the Kuba kingdom, often referred to in literature as a 'little king,' a figure associated with the aristocracy and the entourage of the nyim, the king of the Kuba.
The figure is depicted sitting in a hieratic position, legs folded, hands resting on the knees. This frontal and stable posture expresses authority, restraint, and self-control, which are fundamental values of Kuba political ideology.
The face exhibits the classic stylistic characteristics of Kuba art.
front high and bulging
almond-shaped, half-closed eyes
straight and elongated nose
Fine and closed mouth, conveying dignity and inner depth.
The striped conical hairstyle, carefully sculpted, is a marker of high status. The geometric carvings on the hairstyle, arms, and base echo the motifs of Kuba textiles in raphia, which are emblematic of this culture.
The body, compact and deliberately stylized, highlights the slightly oversized head, emphasizing the primacy of intellect and symbolic power. The arms are adorned with sculpted bracelets, signs of status and prestige.
The sculpture rests on a cubic plinth decorated with geometric motifs, enhancing the visual stability of the whole and recalling the architectural aesthetic of Kuba power.
The honey-brown patina, homogeneous and satin, indicates ancient handling and prolonged use. No element suggests significant restoration; wear consistent with the age and function of the object.
This wooden sculpture depicts a royal dignitary from the Kuba kingdom, often referred to in literature as a 'little king,' a figure associated with the aristocracy and the entourage of the nyim, the king of the Kuba.
The figure is depicted sitting in a hieratic position, legs folded, hands resting on the knees. This frontal and stable posture expresses authority, restraint, and self-control, which are fundamental values of Kuba political ideology.
The face exhibits the classic stylistic characteristics of Kuba art.
front high and bulging
almond-shaped, half-closed eyes
straight and elongated nose
Fine and closed mouth, conveying dignity and inner depth.
The striped conical hairstyle, carefully sculpted, is a marker of high status. The geometric carvings on the hairstyle, arms, and base echo the motifs of Kuba textiles in raphia, which are emblematic of this culture.
The body, compact and deliberately stylized, highlights the slightly oversized head, emphasizing the primacy of intellect and symbolic power. The arms are adorned with sculpted bracelets, signs of status and prestige.
The sculpture rests on a cubic plinth decorated with geometric motifs, enhancing the visual stability of the whole and recalling the architectural aesthetic of Kuba power.
The honey-brown patina, homogeneous and satin, indicates ancient handling and prolonged use. No element suggests significant restoration; wear consistent with the age and function of the object.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Kuba
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Kuba royal dignitary statue – 'little king'
Height
28 cm
Width
9 cm
Depth
9 cm
Weight
803 g
Provenance
Private collection
