Disease Oracle Figure - Pende Mbangu - 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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Figure Oracle de maladie, a Pende Mbangu ritual statue from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, provenance private collection, measuring 30 cm high by 1 cm wide and 1 cm deep, in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Rare statue-oracle Pende Mbangu – Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This remarkable sculpture represents a ritual oracle (tungunlungu), recognizable by its seated posture, arms folded around the torso, and its powerfully expressive face with angular volumes. Its beautiful patina of use, acquired through ritual handling, testifies to its authenticity and its age.
Among the Pende Mbangwe, these figures were consulted during divinatory ceremonies to identify the origin of an illness, misfortune, or imbalance affecting the community. As an intermediary between the diviner and the spirit world, the oracle occupied a central role in therapeutic and spiritual practices. Authentic examples of this quality, now particularly rare on the market, are highly sought after today by collectors specializing in African art.
About our appraisal house
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 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, successions, and dispersions 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 within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insured and tracked.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Rare statue-oracle Pende Mbangu – Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This remarkable sculpture represents a ritual oracle (tungunlungu), recognizable by its seated posture, arms folded around the torso, and its powerfully expressive face with angular volumes. Its beautiful patina of use, acquired through ritual handling, testifies to its authenticity and its age.
Among the Pende Mbangwe, these figures were consulted during divinatory ceremonies to identify the origin of an illness, misfortune, or imbalance affecting the community. As an intermediary between the diviner and the spirit world, the oracle occupied a central role in therapeutic and spiritual practices. Authentic examples of this quality, now particularly rare on the market, are highly sought after today by collectors specializing in African art.
About our appraisal house
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 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, successions, and dispersions 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 within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insured and tracked.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Details
Indigenous object name
Disease Oracle Figure
Ethnic group/ culture
Pende Mbangu
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
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