Wooden statue - cow's - DR Congo

Wooden statue Ngbaka – DR Congo

This wooden statue, from the Ngbaka ethnic group of the Democratic Republic of Congo, testifies to an artistic and spiritual heritage deeply rooted in Central African traditions. Hand-carved, it is characterized by expressive forms, marked features and a strong presence, conveying the Ngbaka worldview. This ethnicity places great importance on carved figures, often associated with protection, rites or the representation of ancestors. The proportions, sometimes stylized, as well as the details of the face and body, reveal a unique visual language where each element has symbolic meaning. The object thus goes beyond its aesthetic dimension to become a true support of beliefs, embodying both the cultural identity and the collective memory of the Ngbaka people.

In a contemporary approach, this Ngbaka statue is part of a contemporary reading of African art where antiquity meets current sensibilities. The blend of antiquity and the contemporary is manifested through the strength of its sculptural forms, which evoke a raw and expressive aesthetics in resonance with certain practices of contemporary art. This contemporary dimension allows us to rediscover the work from a new angle, highlighting its timeless and universal character. The contemporary aspect does not modify its essence, but rather reveals the intrinsic modernity of this ancient heritage. Thus, this sculpture perfectly illustrates the continuity between tradition and contemporary creation, where the antique object naturally finds its place in a contemporary artistic vision.