Ancient anthropomorphic figure - Luba-Tabwa complex - DR Congo
00
days
10
hours
25
minutes
43
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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 - € 330
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 131620 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Ancient Anthropomorphic Figure – Luba-Tabwa Complex
Small presence sculpture, sober and intensely expressive
Private collection, Portugal
This ancient anthropomorphic figure, linked to the Luba-Tabwa cultural complex of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, captivates with the accuracy of its proportions, the sobriety of its line, and the silent strength of its presence.
Although the precise attribution remains deliberately open within this vast stylistic sphere, the work clearly belongs to a formal vocabulary characteristic of the ancient productions of southeast Congo, where sculpture often favors restraint, the balance of volumes, and a discreet yet immediate power.
The figure, posed in a stable stance, features a long cylindrical neck, a finely structured head, calm and tightened features, and an elongated body with simple yet remarkably effective volumes.
The gesture of the arm folded toward the chest, combined with the figure’s frontal presentation, reinforces this impression of inner, almost meditative presence, typical of many sculptures from this great cultural area.
The overall piece retains a very seductive old surface, marked by a dark, dense, and deep patina, revealing beautiful natural wear and authentic material.
This patina fully contributes to the charm of the piece, highlighting the lines of the face, the tension of the torso, and the softness of the modeling.
Works from the Luba-Tabwa complex remain particularly appreciated by collectors for their sculptural elegance, their plastic readability, and their ability to combine formal simplicity with expressive intensity.
This exemplar perfectly illustrates this quality of presence, in a compact yet highly convincing format.
A small old figure of handsome bearing, ideal for a connoisseur of sober, coherent, and authentic Congolese sculpture.
Presentation of our appraisal house
Based in Belgium, we specialize in the sale and expertise of African, Oceanic, and ethnographic art objects.
A reference seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we regularly assist with liquidations, dispersals of collections, and successions, with an approach grounded in seriousness, attribution cohesion, and the enhancement of works.
Our sales are offered without reserve price, with a constant aim to present authentic objects, chosen with rigor and sensitivity.
We enjoy an almost impeccable satisfaction rate, reflecting our commitment to collectors as well as enthusiasts.
Fast shipping within 24h, careful, tracked, and insured
Contact and support 7 days a week
Ancient Anthropomorphic Figure – Luba-Tabwa Complex
Small presence sculpture, sober and intensely expressive
Private collection, Portugal
This ancient anthropomorphic figure, linked to the Luba-Tabwa cultural complex of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, captivates with the accuracy of its proportions, the sobriety of its line, and the silent strength of its presence.
Although the precise attribution remains deliberately open within this vast stylistic sphere, the work clearly belongs to a formal vocabulary characteristic of the ancient productions of southeast Congo, where sculpture often favors restraint, the balance of volumes, and a discreet yet immediate power.
The figure, posed in a stable stance, features a long cylindrical neck, a finely structured head, calm and tightened features, and an elongated body with simple yet remarkably effective volumes.
The gesture of the arm folded toward the chest, combined with the figure’s frontal presentation, reinforces this impression of inner, almost meditative presence, typical of many sculptures from this great cultural area.
The overall piece retains a very seductive old surface, marked by a dark, dense, and deep patina, revealing beautiful natural wear and authentic material.
This patina fully contributes to the charm of the piece, highlighting the lines of the face, the tension of the torso, and the softness of the modeling.
Works from the Luba-Tabwa complex remain particularly appreciated by collectors for their sculptural elegance, their plastic readability, and their ability to combine formal simplicity with expressive intensity.
This exemplar perfectly illustrates this quality of presence, in a compact yet highly convincing format.
A small old figure of handsome bearing, ideal for a connoisseur of sober, coherent, and authentic Congolese sculpture.
Presentation of our appraisal house
Based in Belgium, we specialize in the sale and expertise of African, Oceanic, and ethnographic art objects.
A reference seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we regularly assist with liquidations, dispersals of collections, and successions, with an approach grounded in seriousness, attribution cohesion, and the enhancement of works.
Our sales are offered without reserve price, with a constant aim to present authentic objects, chosen with rigor and sensitivity.
We enjoy an almost impeccable satisfaction rate, reflecting our commitment to collectors as well as enthusiasts.
Fast shipping within 24h, careful, tracked, and insured
Contact and support 7 days a week
Details
Indigenous object name
Ancient anthropomorphic figure
Ethnic group/ culture
Luba-Tabwa complex
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
30 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
