Ndengese Congo ancestor statue - Lot 1

Ndengese Congo ancestor statue The flared hairstyle topped by a horn is characteristic of the hairstyles acquired by Totshi chiefs belonging to the ikoho association and evokes particular proverbs. It symbolizes respect, intelligence and maturity. The face appears to be in meditation. The neck is ringed. The bust is embossed with diamond-shaped scarification marks, in order to differentiate itself socially and aesthetically. The clasped hands highlight the prominent umbilicus. Abraded dark brown patina. Desiccation cracks 48 x 10 cm The Ndengese are a Central African people from the Kasai region, neighboring the Kuba, who form one of the clans descended from a common Mongo ancestor, some of them from the Upper Nile. They produced primitive art statues with absent or truncated lower limbs, covered with graphic symbols, symbolizing the prestige of the chief. . Ref.: "African Treasures" Tervuren Museum