Mbala male figure, DRC ex Zaire - Lot 35

Mbala male figure, DRC ex Zaire Carved from light-colored wood with a velvety gray patina, this male figure was part of a couple used by the Nganga in therapeutic rituals. Long drying cracks 42 x 15 cm Originating from Angola in the 17th century, the Mbala settled in northwestern Zaire and to the east among the Pelende, Suku, Pende and Yaka peoples. Formerly matrilineal, they formed clans headed by maternal uncles. The chief was in charge of ancestor worship, albeit on a limited scale. Ref.: "L'Art africain" ed. Mazenod; "Trésors d'Afrique" (p.309) ed. Musée de Tervuren; "Art tribal d'Afrique noire." JB Bacquart; "Umbangu, Art du Congo au Musée Royal du Congo Belge" ed. Cultura.