Strange Azande image - on the side - DR Congo

These very abstract wooden human figures, called 'Yanda', belong to the Mani community of the Zande people in North Congo. They are 'charged' by the head of the Mani community with magical powers, and it is believed they protect against illness, witchcraft and infertility, and ensure a successful hunt. These 'Yanda figures' of the Zande people are regarded as a perfect example of the high degree of abstraction typical of so-called 'primitive art'. The here presented, characteristic 'Yanda figure' in black-painted wood shows the typical, large, almost semicircular head with small red glass bead eyes, short arms, short stout legs, and an equally characteristic, strongly accentuated navel. With a very old, partly encrusted patina! Around the neck and hips a ring of knotted plant fibers. Early third of the 20th century; Height: ca. 30 cm.