Statue of the Metoko ancestor - DR Congo
06
days
06
hours
26
minutes
00
seconds
Current bid
€ 50
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
6 other people are watching this object
 | €50 |
|---|
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 132661 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Statue d'ancêtre Metoko, a 64 cm wooden piece from the Metoko people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the late 20th century, sold with stand and in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Metoko
Material. Wood
Dimension. 64 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo within 24-48h opened
This piece is a traditional sculpture of the Metoko people (or Mituku), originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo River basin region).
These statues are highly recognizable primitive art objects by their clean, geometric style.
The Metoko style is characterized by pronounced abstraction. Shapes are often simplified to the maximum, giving the silhouette a look that collectors sometimes describe as “robotic.”
The body: The torso is often narrow, with a stylized representation of the rib cage (visible here by the chevron incisions on the chest). The arms are generally positioned along the body.
The face: Typical of Metoko aesthetics, the face is often flat, heart- or diamond-shaped, with a protruding vertical line suggesting the nose.
Patina: The surface generally bears a dark, matte or velvety patina, evidence of ritual use and age.
Cultural context and utility
The Bukota society: Like Bwami among their Lega neighbors, the Metoko’s social and political life is structured around the initiatory Bukota society. These statues played a central role within that society.
Initiation rites: These figures were used during initiation ceremonies. They served as pedagogical tools to transmit moral values, social conduct rules, and teachings on the group’s hierarchy to initiates.
Funerary and social role: Some of these statues (often called Lukungu or similar names depending on their specific function) were placed on the tombs of initiates after their death. They were also used for conflict resolution or village protection.
The Metoko share strong cultural roots and influences with the Lega and Lengola peoples. Although less documented than Lega art, Metoko sculptures are highly prized for their rarity and the power of their pared-down form.
The piece you are presenting is a fine example of this aesthetics, where reducing human features to pure geometric forms allows focus on the symbolic and spiritual function of the object rather than a realistic representation.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Metoko
Material. Wood
Dimension. 64 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo within 24-48h opened
This piece is a traditional sculpture of the Metoko people (or Mituku), originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo River basin region).
These statues are highly recognizable primitive art objects by their clean, geometric style.
The Metoko style is characterized by pronounced abstraction. Shapes are often simplified to the maximum, giving the silhouette a look that collectors sometimes describe as “robotic.”
The body: The torso is often narrow, with a stylized representation of the rib cage (visible here by the chevron incisions on the chest). The arms are generally positioned along the body.
The face: Typical of Metoko aesthetics, the face is often flat, heart- or diamond-shaped, with a protruding vertical line suggesting the nose.
Patina: The surface generally bears a dark, matte or velvety patina, evidence of ritual use and age.
Cultural context and utility
The Bukota society: Like Bwami among their Lega neighbors, the Metoko’s social and political life is structured around the initiatory Bukota society. These statues played a central role within that society.
Initiation rites: These figures were used during initiation ceremonies. They served as pedagogical tools to transmit moral values, social conduct rules, and teachings on the group’s hierarchy to initiates.
Funerary and social role: Some of these statues (often called Lukungu or similar names depending on their specific function) were placed on the tombs of initiates after their death. They were also used for conflict resolution or village protection.
The Metoko share strong cultural roots and influences with the Lega and Lengola peoples. Although less documented than Lega art, Metoko sculptures are highly prized for their rarity and the power of their pared-down form.
The piece you are presenting is a fine example of this aesthetics, where reducing human features to pure geometric forms allows focus on the symbolic and spiritual function of the object rather than a realistic representation.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Statue of the Metoko ancestor
Height
64 cm
Sold by
