Mbala ancestor statue - DR Congo
03
days
10
hours
38
minutes
56
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 280 - € 330
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Tribe name. Mbala
Material. Wood
Dimension 50 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open
This Mbala statue presents the classical stylistic characteristics of the art of this people from the southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The head: It is imposing and distinguished by a rounded, protruding forehead, typical of Mbala statuary. The face features stylized traits with eyes in the shape of coffee beans, a short nose and a mouth with full, well-defined lips.
The coiffure: An elaborate hairstyle, often called “in bonnet” or complex ornamentation, crowns the top of the skull.
The posture: The figure is depicted standing in a static pose. The arms are folded against the chest, the hands joined or resting on the torso, a posture often associated with veneration or ritual presence.
The body: The chest is elongated and the torso is marked by a prominent navel. The legs are short, sturdy and slightly bent, giving the statue a stable base.
Materials and details
Added elements: There is evidence of plant-fiber bindings (cords) around the wrists and waist. These elements are not only decorative; in the traditional context, they may have symbolic or ritual functions or be used to affix magical charges.
Cultural significance
These Mbala statues, often called jipene, are traditionally associated with ancestor worship or chiefs. They serve as spiritual intermediaries, embodying the power of the ancestors or spirits to protect the community, ensure fertility, or validate the power of a dignitary. The treatment of the face and the polish of the surface indicate an object that once had a significant social and religious function.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Tribe name. Mbala
Material. Wood
Dimension 50 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open
This Mbala statue presents the classical stylistic characteristics of the art of this people from the southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The head: It is imposing and distinguished by a rounded, protruding forehead, typical of Mbala statuary. The face features stylized traits with eyes in the shape of coffee beans, a short nose and a mouth with full, well-defined lips.
The coiffure: An elaborate hairstyle, often called “in bonnet” or complex ornamentation, crowns the top of the skull.
The posture: The figure is depicted standing in a static pose. The arms are folded against the chest, the hands joined or resting on the torso, a posture often associated with veneration or ritual presence.
The body: The chest is elongated and the torso is marked by a prominent navel. The legs are short, sturdy and slightly bent, giving the statue a stable base.
Materials and details
Added elements: There is evidence of plant-fiber bindings (cords) around the wrists and waist. These elements are not only decorative; in the traditional context, they may have symbolic or ritual functions or be used to affix magical charges.
Cultural significance
These Mbala statues, often called jipene, are traditionally associated with ancestor worship or chiefs. They serve as spiritual intermediaries, embodying the power of the ancestors or spirits to protect the community, ensure fertility, or validate the power of a dignitary. The treatment of the face and the polish of the surface indicate an object that once had a significant social and religious function.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Mbala ancestor statue
Height
50 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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