Statue of the Tabwa Ancestor - DR Congo
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 160 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Tabwa
Material. Wood
Dimension. 48 cm
Shipping method. 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 crouching position, with the legs folded to each side of the lower body. Her hands are placed behind her head or neck. This dynamic pose highlights the stretched torso.
Female attributes: The chest is sculpted in a naturalistic yet stylized way, emphasizing fertility, lineage, and the woman's role (often regarded as intermediaries with the spirit world among the Tabwa).
2. Scarifications (Vilembwe)
The body and face of the statue are adorned with very intricate geometric patterns carved into them, forming the major visual identity of Tabwa art:
On the chest and abdomen: A broad vertical band of diamond and checkerboard motifs is observed. This recurring motif is called balamwanza (reminiscent of the caterpillar's structure or the 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 interiority, serenity, and connection with the spiritual world.
The ears are stylized and the hairstyle is finely carved in parallel lines or braided, underscoring the care given to appearance, a sign of civilization and high social status.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Tabwa
Material. Wood
Dimension. 48 cm
Shipping method. 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 crouching position, with the legs folded to each side of the lower body. Her hands are placed behind her head or neck. This dynamic pose highlights the stretched torso.
Female attributes: The chest is sculpted in a naturalistic yet stylized way, emphasizing fertility, lineage, and the woman's role (often regarded as intermediaries with the spirit world among the Tabwa).
2. Scarifications (Vilembwe)
The body and face of the statue are adorned with very intricate geometric patterns carved into them, forming the major visual identity of Tabwa art:
On the chest and abdomen: A broad vertical band of diamond and checkerboard motifs is observed. This recurring motif is called balamwanza (reminiscent of the caterpillar's structure or the 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 interiority, serenity, and connection with the spiritual world.
The ears are stylized and the hairstyle is finely carved in parallel lines or braided, underscoring the care given to appearance, a sign of civilization and high social status.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Statue of the Tabwa Ancestor
Height
48 cm
Sold by
