Statue of the Tabwa Ancestor - DR Congo

Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Tabwa
Material. Wood
Dimension. 48 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h open.

This decorative sculpture is a classic and captivating representation of the statuary art of the Tabwa people (an ethnicity living mainly along the western shore of Lake Tanganyika, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Zambia).

1. Morphology and Posture
The posture: The female figure is depicted in a kneeling or crouched position, legs folded to each side of the lower body. Her hands are placed behind her head or at the nape of the neck. This dynamic pose highlights the stretched torso.
The feminine attributes: The chest is carved in a naturalistic yet stylized manner, underscoring the importance of fertility, lineage, and the role of women (often regarded as intermediaries with the world of spirits among the Tabwa).

2. Scarifications (Vilembwe)
The body and face of the statue are adorned with highly intricate geometric motifs, which form the major visual identity of Tabwa art:
On the chest and abdomen: A broad vertical band of diamond and checkered motifs can be seen. This recurring motif is called balamwanza (reminiscent of the caterpillar’s structure or the pattern of moonlight on water). It symbolizes duality, social order, maturity, and aesthetic perfection.
On the forehead: A frontal scarification in the shape of a diamond or cross, typical, marking the center of consciousness and intelligence.
3. Facial Features
The face is oval, with large almond-shaped eyes half-closed, giving the statue an expression of inwardness, serenity, and connection with the spiritual world.
The ears are stylized and the hairstyle is finely sculpted in parallel lines or braided, underscoring the care given to appearance, a sign of civilization and high social status.