Very rare and extremely cleverly carved large Kuba Ndop king statue - 1st half 20th century (taken to Belgium in 1947) - representation of Kuba King Kot a-Pey (1902-1916). Everything about this fantastic figurine is correct: the top of the headdress (Shody), the shape of the hairstyle on the temples (Bosh), the shape of the ears, the temporal scarifications, eyebrows and eyes, the bracelets (shop), the belt (Yeemy), the engraving on the stand (Yiing) and then of course the most personal attribute: the child's head in his left hand: all exclusive features of Kot a-Pey. Ndop statues are carved by the most respected sculptors during the life of the king - after his death these statues are placed near his body allowing the spirit of the deceased king to pass into the statue which can then transfer all knowledge at a later stage to the new Kuba king. These figurines are extremely sacred - preserved in well-secured women's enclosures - far away from weather and termite influences which is why they show very few signs of ageing. Absolute masterpiece - museum quality - last photo is of the same Ndop - National Museum ZaÏre (literature: Art Royal Kuba - Joseph Cornet). The only minus point: top of the headdress (Shody) has been broken once and moderately restored - see pictures. For a figurine of this unprecedentedly high level, a skilled restoration is entirely justified.