Cup bearer Rungu, DRC - Lot 57

Cup bearer Rungu, DRC Statuette of a woman seated cross-legged, with a voluminous head topped by a triple crest. Large, double-rimmed eyes and fine features are the distinguishing features of this sculpture. She holds a bowl in front of the bust with her digitized hands, extending her graceful arms. Gray patina, desiccation cracks 24 x 10 cm A tribe of the Tabwa group, the Rungu live in a region between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Tanzania. Under the influence of neighboring Lubas and Bemba, the Rungu produced prestigious objects for dignitaries, such as stools, combs, spoons and scepters, frequently decorated with figures of couples or twins. Their king, called mwéné tafuna , lives in Zambia. A women's association, Kamanya , has dolls like those of the Tabwas.