Lengola Ancestor Statue - DR Congo
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tribe name. Lengola
Material. Wood
Dimension. 40 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open
This statue is a tribal artwork from the Lengola ethnic group, a people living mainly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in the region between the Lomami and Lualaba rivers.
Here is a detailed description of its stylistic features and meaning:
1. Stylistic Characteristics
The Lengola sculpture is distinguished by a minimalist and geometric aesthetic, often described as "proto-cubist" by art historians.
Face: Treated in relief with a heart-like inverted shape, an influence also found among neighboring peoples such as the Lega. The eyes are often represented by simple slits or protruding rectangles, as is the case here.
Body: The torso is generally elongated and cylindrical. The limbs are extremely simplified: the arms are short and sometimes detached from the body, while the legs are sturdy and rest on schematic feet.
Patina: The wood often bears a dark, smooth patina, reflecting age and ritual use of the object.
2. Use and Meaning: The Bukota Society
These statues are not mere decorative objects; they play a central role within the Bukota secret society (the equivalent of Bwami among the Lega).
Ancestor Representation: Sometimes called Ubanga Nyama, these effigies often represent founding ancestors or high-ranking dignitaries.
Educational and Ritual Role: They are displayed during initiation or circumcision ceremonies to teach moral and social values to young initiates. They may also be placed on the graves of high-ranking Bukota members to ensure social stability and village protection.
Invocations: Community members addressed these statues to obtain mediation from spirits during crises or to promote group cohesion.
3. Cultural Context
The Lengola are part of a broader cultural group (including the Metoko, the Mbole, and the Lega) whose art is characterized by elegant abstraction. Unlike other African regions where statues are highly detailed, Lengola art favors symmetry and clarity of lines to convey a sense of serenity and spiritual strength.
This is a fascinating piece that perfectly illustrates the balance between formal abstraction and the spiritual depth of art from the Congo basin.
Origin. Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tribe name. Lengola
Material. Wood
Dimension. 40 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open
This statue is a tribal artwork from the Lengola ethnic group, a people living mainly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in the region between the Lomami and Lualaba rivers.
Here is a detailed description of its stylistic features and meaning:
1. Stylistic Characteristics
The Lengola sculpture is distinguished by a minimalist and geometric aesthetic, often described as "proto-cubist" by art historians.
Face: Treated in relief with a heart-like inverted shape, an influence also found among neighboring peoples such as the Lega. The eyes are often represented by simple slits or protruding rectangles, as is the case here.
Body: The torso is generally elongated and cylindrical. The limbs are extremely simplified: the arms are short and sometimes detached from the body, while the legs are sturdy and rest on schematic feet.
Patina: The wood often bears a dark, smooth patina, reflecting age and ritual use of the object.
2. Use and Meaning: The Bukota Society
These statues are not mere decorative objects; they play a central role within the Bukota secret society (the equivalent of Bwami among the Lega).
Ancestor Representation: Sometimes called Ubanga Nyama, these effigies often represent founding ancestors or high-ranking dignitaries.
Educational and Ritual Role: They are displayed during initiation or circumcision ceremonies to teach moral and social values to young initiates. They may also be placed on the graves of high-ranking Bukota members to ensure social stability and village protection.
Invocations: Community members addressed these statues to obtain mediation from spirits during crises or to promote group cohesion.
3. Cultural Context
The Lengola are part of a broader cultural group (including the Metoko, the Mbole, and the Lega) whose art is characterized by elegant abstraction. Unlike other African regions where statues are highly detailed, Lengola art favors symmetry and clarity of lines to convey a sense of serenity and spiritual strength.
This is a fascinating piece that perfectly illustrates the balance between formal abstraction and the spiritual depth of art from the Congo basin.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Lengola Ancestor Statue
Height
40 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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