Mbala ancestor statue - DR Congo
02
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14
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27
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 240 - € 270
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tribe name. Mbala
Material. Wood
Dimension 50 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open
Mbala decorative statue
The head: It is imposing and stands out for a bulging, protruding forehead, typical of Mbala statuary. The face features stylized traits with coffee-bean shaped eyes, a short nose, and a mouth with full, well-defined lips.
The hairstyle: An elaborate hairstyle, often called a “bonnet” or intricate ornamentation, crowns the top of the head.
The posture: The figure is depicted standing in a static stance. The arms are folded against the chest, the hands joined or resting on the torso, a posture often associated with veneration or a ritual presence.
The body: The torso is elongated and the chest bears a prominent navel. The legs are short, sturdy, and slightly bent, giving the statue a stable base.
Materials and details
Added elements: There are plant-fiber bindings (cords) around the wrists and waist. These elements are not merely decorative; in the traditional context, they may have symbolic, ritual functions or be used to fasten 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 ancestors or spirits to protect the community, ensure fertility, or validate the power of a dignitary. The treatment of the face and the polished surface indicate an object that had a meaningful social and religious function.
Origin. Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tribe name. Mbala
Material. Wood
Dimension 50 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open
Mbala decorative statue
The head: It is imposing and stands out for a bulging, protruding forehead, typical of Mbala statuary. The face features stylized traits with coffee-bean shaped eyes, a short nose, and a mouth with full, well-defined lips.
The hairstyle: An elaborate hairstyle, often called a “bonnet” or intricate ornamentation, crowns the top of the head.
The posture: The figure is depicted standing in a static stance. The arms are folded against the chest, the hands joined or resting on the torso, a posture often associated with veneration or a ritual presence.
The body: The torso is elongated and the chest bears a prominent navel. The legs are short, sturdy, and slightly bent, giving the statue a stable base.
Materials and details
Added elements: There are plant-fiber bindings (cords) around the wrists and waist. These elements are not merely decorative; in the traditional context, they may have symbolic, ritual functions or be used to fasten 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 ancestors or spirits to protect the community, ensure fertility, or validate the power of a dignitary. The treatment of the face and the polished surface indicate an object that had a meaningful social and religious function.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Mbala ancestor statue
Height
50 cm
Sold by
