Ngbaka ancestral statue - DR Congo
07
days
07
hours
25
minutes
19
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 240 - € 270
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 134050 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
From the Ngbaka tribe
Material. Wood
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h. Open
Ngbaka decorative statue
The nasal scarification: It is the most distinctive feature. One observes a line of vertical scarifications (called kanda) that runs from the forehead to the tip of the nose. It often represents strength and ethnic belonging.
The head is generally round or oval. The eyes here are sculpted as "coffee beans" or almonds, with arched eyebrows that meet at the base of the nose.
The mouth: It is often represented in a minimalist way, here by a simple horizontal slit, giving the statue a serene or introspective expression.
Symbolism and Use
These statues are not mere decorative objects; they have a deep spiritual and social function:
Representation of Ancestors: These figures (often called Setu or linked to the Gale cult) typically embody mythical ancestors or protective spirits.
Protection of the home: They were placed on family altars or in ritual huts to ensure fertility, hunting success, and protection against disease.
Posture: The figure is depicted standing, arms along the body, in a stance of stability. The legs are slightly bent, a common feature of many Central African statues to suggest vitality.
Body markings: Geometric scarifications are noted on the torso and at the belt level, echoing the ritual body modification practices of the era.
Historical note: Ngbaka art strongly influenced collectors in the early 20th century with its geometric and pure aspect, approaching Cubist aesthetics.
Would you like additional information about the Ubangi region or about other Ngbaka ritual objects such as masks?
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
From the Ngbaka tribe
Material. Wood
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h. Open
Ngbaka decorative statue
The nasal scarification: It is the most distinctive feature. One observes a line of vertical scarifications (called kanda) that runs from the forehead to the tip of the nose. It often represents strength and ethnic belonging.
The head is generally round or oval. The eyes here are sculpted as "coffee beans" or almonds, with arched eyebrows that meet at the base of the nose.
The mouth: It is often represented in a minimalist way, here by a simple horizontal slit, giving the statue a serene or introspective expression.
Symbolism and Use
These statues are not mere decorative objects; they have a deep spiritual and social function:
Representation of Ancestors: These figures (often called Setu or linked to the Gale cult) typically embody mythical ancestors or protective spirits.
Protection of the home: They were placed on family altars or in ritual huts to ensure fertility, hunting success, and protection against disease.
Posture: The figure is depicted standing, arms along the body, in a stance of stability. The legs are slightly bent, a common feature of many Central African statues to suggest vitality.
Body markings: Geometric scarifications are noted on the torso and at the belt level, echoing the ritual body modification practices of the era.
Historical note: Ngbaka art strongly influenced collectors in the early 20th century with its geometric and pure aspect, approaching Cubist aesthetics.
Would you like additional information about the Ubangi region or about other Ngbaka ritual objects such as masks?
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
Ngbaka ancestral statue
Height
55 cm
Sold by
