Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo and western Tanzania, Bembe peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A reliquary figure known as a muzidi, that holds the spirit of an ancestor, made from a wood frame and woven basketry base, and covered with layers of cloth and stuffed with grasses or leaves, and adorned in cowrie shell ornaments. The limbs and body are stuffed so stiffly the figure sits upright on its own, legs folded in front and hands resting on the knees. The elongated torso and arms have rings and belts with cowrie shells, and a twisted cloth holds the carved wooden head in place. The domed basket the figure sits on is covered in a woven reed and cotton cloth. The muzidi are made to house the spirits of the deceased to watch over the family and safeguard against illness and witchcraft. Size: 7" W x 19" H (17.8 cm x 48.3 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#173500

  • Condition: Staining and discoloration to cloth, earthen and mineral deposits throughout. Intact and sturdy with great weathering and patina wood. Rare type!

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October 9, 2022 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000