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Carved Wooden Mpwuu Statue, Yanzi People, Democratic Republic of Congo

$1,210
£914.22
€1,048.20
CA$1,688.69
A$1,837.43
CHF 972.90
MX$22,105.51
NOK 12,353.60
SEK 11,302.68
DKK 7,831.49

About the Item

This wooden male statue, of the Yanzi people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is carved in wood with traces of ‘Tukula’ pigment, characteristically elongated and stylised features, and legs slightly bent in a dance pose. From the first half of the 20th century, it belongs to a class of powerful, protective ritual statues known as ‘Mpwuu’, belonging to and kept hidden by the chief of a village or lineage. These figures belong to the ‘Nswo’ religious, magical statuary traditions shared by several distinct peoples in this region, often bear characteristics of the Teke people, known for a particular proficiency in their use, such as the facial scarifications seen here. But with the Yanzi elaborating their own use and style of these ritual, carved objects, distinct features like the flat, triangular nose of this piece emerge. A forceful and dignified work of tribal art.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 45 in (114.3 cm)Width: 10 in (25.4 cm)Depth: 10 in (25.4 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Hardwood
  • Place of Origin:
    Africa
  • Period:
    Early 20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1920s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages.
  • Seller Location:
    CA, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2102346798162

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