Zula ancestor figure, DRC - Lot 96

Zula ancestor figure, DRC Rare African male figure of a chief leaning on a stick, probably Zula, Zuri, Wazula, still called Luba-Maniema, settled in the Democratic Republic of Congo north of Luba territory. The ancestor's broad torso bears a band of engraved motifs, indicating traditional scarification. The stretched limbs are characteristic of Zula art. An iconoclastic raid, under the influence of Islamic occupiers, wiped out most of the Zula's ritual sculptures. The Zulas nevertheless preserved their ancestor worship, their devotion to the alunga spirit, and their practice of making offerings to the spirits of nature. Zula society, divided into castes, has its origins in the Lubas. In the 19th century, the Zulas joined forces with the Arabs (Tippo Tip) in the ivory and slave trades. Satin patina, desiccation cracks. Litt. 100 Peoples of Zaire and their sculpture" M.L. Felix. 40 x 15 cm