Dengese Totshi ancestor, DRC ex Zaire - Lot 163

Dengese Totshi ancestor, DRC ex Zaire A Central African people settled in the Kasai region, neighboring the Kuba, the Dengese form one of the clans descended from a common Mongo ancestor, some of them from the Upper Nile. They produced primitive art statues with absent or truncated lower limbs, covered with graphic symbols symbolizing the chief's prestige. The flared headdress topped by a horn is characteristic of the hairstyles acquired by Totshi chiefs belonging to the ikoho association and evokes particular proverbs. It symbolizes respect, intelligence and maturity. The face appears to be in meditation. The neck is ringed. Diamond-shaped scarification marks in relief are traced on the bust, with the aim of social and aesthetic differentiation. The hands highlight the prominent umbilicus. Light patina, few desiccation cracks. Ref: "African Treasures" Tervuren Museum. 42 x 10 cm