Zombo fetish statuette, DRC - Lot 122

Zombo fetish statuette, DRC A small anthropomorphic figure wearing a European-style hat, she appears to be wearing a vest on which her hands rest. The large eye sockets are reminiscent of Yaka statuary, but also of the Chokwe, who live further south. Brown patina, apparent veining, traces of indigo ritual anointing 28 x 10 cm Neighbors of the Yaka and Kongo in western ex-Zaire, the Zombo, like the Kongo clans, fear the god Nzambi. Their diviners use fetishes similar to those of the Kongo, but the ceremonies associated with the rituals are derived from Yaka traditions. Fetish sculptures are used by ngangas to protect against bad luck, to heal or to provoke luck, wealth and fertility.