Muzidi / Niombo Head - Bembe - DR Congo (No reserve price)
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Muzidi / Niombo Head, a late 20th‑century Bembe work from DR Congo, in good condition, made of fabric, straw, plant fibre and cane, 36 cm high, 17 cm wide and 15 cm deep, provenance: former private German collection.
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Description from the seller
This childlike puppet-like head forms a reduction of the famous niombo, a funerary anthropomorphic ``package`, sometimes giant size, representing deceased among the Bwende. The niombo was buried at funerals during ancestor cults. It is made of a wickerwork frame, swaddled with textile, and was kept in the house of the chiefs. The sculputures of the Bwende were strongly inspired by those of the neighboring Bembe. The Niombo speaks to the dead : " 'I am a mediator, an intermediary. I move from one world to the other " (Farris Thompson in Dapper, 2002, p. 70). A rare "miniature" of the dummy containing the bones of the deceased, this ancient effigy Niombo honored an individual deemed exceptional by the community, likely to become a great mediator between the two worlds.
Provenance: former private German collection.
Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided.
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
This childlike puppet-like head forms a reduction of the famous niombo, a funerary anthropomorphic ``package`, sometimes giant size, representing deceased among the Bwende. The niombo was buried at funerals during ancestor cults. It is made of a wickerwork frame, swaddled with textile, and was kept in the house of the chiefs. The sculputures of the Bwende were strongly inspired by those of the neighboring Bembe. The Niombo speaks to the dead : " 'I am a mediator, an intermediary. I move from one world to the other " (Farris Thompson in Dapper, 2002, p. 70). A rare "miniature" of the dummy containing the bones of the deceased, this ancient effigy Niombo honored an individual deemed exceptional by the community, likely to become a great mediator between the two worlds.
Provenance: former private German collection.
Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided.
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Bembe
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Fabric, Straw, Plant fibre, Cane
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Muzidi / Niombo Head
Height
36 cm
Width
17 cm
Depth
15 cm
Weight
450 g
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