Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Songye peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A beautiful Songye female magic figure known as a "buanga," hand-carved from hard wood and covered with rich, lustrous brown patina. The woman crouches atop an integral circular plinth with stocky legs, a portly abdomen indicative of pregnancy, ample breasts, and plateaued shoulders. A domed head boasts incised eyes beneath recessed brows, a wide triangular nose, an ovoid mouth, cupped ears, and a squared chin. Buanga figures can be male or female and are carved as dedicatory effigies to positive ends. This figure is perhaps dedicated to a successful pregnancy since this figure is a pregnant woman. Custom wooden display stand included. Size: 3.2" W x 9.375" H (8.1 cm x 23.8 cm); 10.875" H (27.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

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#139080

  • Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions to base, body, and head, with softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits and fabulous brown patina throughout.

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January 24, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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