Herminette figurative - Mbala - DR Congo

• Figurative herminette

• Ethnicity: Mbala

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Height: 35 cm (38 cm on the base)

• Materials: wood, wrought iron, tapestry nails, plant fibers, an indeterminate seed

• Period: early 20th century

• Provenance: colonial collection, Belgium; Patrick Claes, Belgium; Jean-Marc Desaive, Belgium; Srdjan Sremac, Netherlands; Robert van der Heijden, Netherlands

— The herminettes of this type were official insignia for men such as professional sculptors, chiefs and diviners. Worn slung over the shoulder and held in one hand, they emphasized the owner’s particular status. (Elsen, De Fer et De fierté, 2003; Roberts, Joyce and Berns, eds., Striking Iron: The Art of African Blacksmiths, 2019; Westerdijk, African Metal Implements, 1984).

— The blade springs from the mouth of the sculpted figure, like a metal tongue. This figure stands with hands joined, as if in prayer. As is customary, the Mbala’s classic hairstyle is a crest covered with tapestry nails. A very old label can be found at the base of the handle of this herminette on which it is inscribed; "Bambala". One can also read "Kwilu" (province) and "Lusenge" which could be the village where it was collected. Very beautiful provenance.

— Careful, insured delivery with tracking number. (Bpost)