neck support - Bembe - DR Congo
03
days
04
hours
09
minutes
56
seconds
Current bid
€ 100
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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 Bidder 4507 | €100 |
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Ritual headrest titled “Repose-tête rituel,” by the Bembe from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a private collection; dimensions 9 cm high, 1 cm wide and 1 cm deep, weight 1 g, dating to the mid-20th century, in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Ritual headrest – Bembe – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Very rare and unusual headrest attributed to the Bembe stylistic corpus, originating from the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This object is distinguished by a particularly bold sculptural construction, resting on a play of powerful and perfectly balanced geometric volumes.
The structure is articulated around two oblique uprights forming an almost abstract architecture, supporting a slightly curved upper surface intended to cradle the head. In the center, a carved face appears suspended, lending the whole piece a presence that is both human and symbolic. The eyes set with beads of red glass paste intensify the gaze and reinforce the object’s spiritual dimension.
The patina is deep, dense, and highly marked, the result of prolonged use and repeated contact with the skin, body oils, and the ritual environment. This ancient surface, dark and glossy in places, bears witness to the authenticity and antiquity of the piece.
Among the Bembe, headrests were not merely utilitarian objects. They contributed to preserving the hairstyle, but also to a symbolic dimension linked to sleep, dreams, and the circulation of vital forces. The presence of the face suggests a protective or ancestral role, establishing a link between the sleeper and the invisible world.
An exceptional object in its typology, rarity, and radical aesthetics, which powerfully illustrates the formal ingenuity and symbolic depth of Bembe art.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Ritual headrest – Bembe – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Very rare and unusual headrest attributed to the Bembe stylistic corpus, originating from the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This object is distinguished by a particularly bold sculptural construction, resting on a play of powerful and perfectly balanced geometric volumes.
The structure is articulated around two oblique uprights forming an almost abstract architecture, supporting a slightly curved upper surface intended to cradle the head. In the center, a carved face appears suspended, lending the whole piece a presence that is both human and symbolic. The eyes set with beads of red glass paste intensify the gaze and reinforce the object’s spiritual dimension.
The patina is deep, dense, and highly marked, the result of prolonged use and repeated contact with the skin, body oils, and the ritual environment. This ancient surface, dark and glossy in places, bears witness to the authenticity and antiquity of the piece.
Among the Bembe, headrests were not merely utilitarian objects. They contributed to preserving the hairstyle, but also to a symbolic dimension linked to sleep, dreams, and the circulation of vital forces. The presence of the face suggests a protective or ancestral role, establishing a link between the sleeper and the invisible world.
An exceptional object in its typology, rarity, and radical aesthetics, which powerfully illustrates the formal ingenuity and symbolic depth of Bembe art.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Details
Indigenous object name
neck support
Ethnic group/ culture
Bembe
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
9 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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