Boyo statue / Basikasingo Misi, DRC ex-Zaire - Lot 137

Boyo statue / Basikasingo Misi, DRC ex-Zaire This face, highlighted by a crenellated beard, is topped with braids gathered into parallel shells behind a wide headband. The geometric mouth protuberance and eye shape are reminiscent of kifwebe luba and songye masks. Matt crusty patina, flaking to reveal local satin-finish areas 47 x 15 cm Stylization of Buyu/Basinkasingo African art statuary Migratory flows have mixed Bembe, Lega, Buyu (Buye) or Boyo , Binji and Bangubangu peoples within the same territories. The Basikasingo, considered by some to be a Buyu sub-clan, are not, however, of Bembe origin, as Biebuyck's work has enabled us to trace their history. Organized into lineages, they have borrowed the Bwami association from the Lega. Bembe and Boyo tribal traditions are relatively similar: they venerate the spirits of nature, specifically water in the case of the Boyo, but also heroic ancestors, whose will is sought through divinatory rites. Hunting is also an opportunity to make sacrifices in gratitude to the entities whose favor and protection one has begged. Their masks are rare and their function poorly documented.