Zimba stone sculpture, DRC - Lot 156

Zimba stone sculpture, DRC Like the Legas, the Zimbas have educational sculptures associated with initiation rites. They can also evoke sayings. This face with cowrie-encrusted orbits is also topped with shells, indicating a crested hairstyle. Satiny granular surface 20 x 20 cm The Zimba, also known as Binja, are close neighbors of the Lega in the Pangi and Shabunda regions of the DRC. Subject to Lega influence, they share some institutional similarities with the Lega and Luba. Whether they live in the forest or the savannah, the symbolism of their art and rituals are associated with hunting, which is of major importance. They are also patrilineal groups, which eventually supplanted the matrilineal organization of their society. Like the Lega, the center of their system revolves around an institution similar to that of the Bwami, called bukota , mpunzu , or nsubi . Rare simian statuettes were also used in similar Bwami rites (Lega culture: D.P. Biebuyck).