Ancestor statue - Mangbetu - DR Congo
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Starting bid
€ 1
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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 € 200 - € 250
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Description from the seller
The Mangbetu statues, originating from the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, are slender wooden sculptures whose elongated features reflect a culture in which art serves to honor ancestors and signify social status.
They often depict female or male figures with faces decorated with geometric motifs reminiscent of traditional body painting and scarification.
The practice of lipombo, cranial elongation performed from childhood, is reflected in the elongated shape of the heads, a symbol of nobility and belonging to the elite.
These objects were placed on thrones or in altars to accompany sacrificial rites and reinforce the bond between the living and the spirit world.
About our expert house
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African art and ethnography. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with many sales offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections, and for some, museum institutions.
Shipping guaranteed 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.
The Mangbetu statues, originating from the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, are slender wooden sculptures whose elongated features reflect a culture in which art serves to honor ancestors and signify social status.
They often depict female or male figures with faces decorated with geometric motifs reminiscent of traditional body painting and scarification.
The practice of lipombo, cranial elongation performed from childhood, is reflected in the elongated shape of the heads, a symbol of nobility and belonging to the elite.
These objects were placed on thrones or in altars to accompany sacrificial rites and reinforce the bond between the living and the spirit world.
About our expert house
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African art and ethnography. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with many sales offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections, and for some, museum institutions.
Shipping guaranteed 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
Ancestor statue
Ethnic group/ culture
Mangbetu
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
42 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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