Lot 244C
Africa, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, ca. early 20th century CE. A tall wooden statue with a horizontally striped body and an expressive, dramatically carved face. The figure stands in a dynamic pose on a round, mound-like pedestal that is carved as one with the rest of the body. The body itself has nicely realistic details, including a slight paunch and bent knees, as well as a prominent phallus. The figure grasps two objects in his well-rendered fists: a rattle with fetish material rising from the top, and a staff capped by a rattle, also with fetish material rising from the top. Alternating bands of white and black paint and unpainted wood surface give the body, rattle, and staff the same color scheme, unifying them thematically below the face. Size: 6.85" L x 8" W x 26.2" H (17.4 cm x 20.3 cm x 66.5 cm)
The face is largely black, with a long chin, a mouth with three teeth in it, and fetish material projecting from just outside either corner of the mouth, as if the figure portrayed has had their cheeks pierced. The figure has a prominent nose and deep-set eyes underneath a heavy brow. Scarification marks are on the chin, cheeks, and forehead, with the latter in the form of a stippled cross. Atop the head is a roughly conical helmet from which the face seems to project in an unnatural manner, like it is just a mask. The top of the head has been drilled through and it has woven and braided string tied through it. This figure may represent one of the Chokwe ancestors, who had to be honored by the living in order to secure peace and good health in the community.
Provenance: ex collection of Alan Davis, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#124867
- Condition: Small losses to edges of base and some light water staining, also to the edge of the base. Two stable cracks on the torso.
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