Died cloth, cane, raffia, banana leaves, wood and natural pigments
Bembe people, DR Congo, c. 1950
Stuffed figure with arms akimbo
Painted face and torso in the form of traditional designs
Inset teeth made of wood
Height: 56 cm
Good condition
Provenance: Private collection, Belgium

This so-called ‘niombo’ or ‘muzidi’ ancestor figure was made by the Bembe ethnic group in the Congo around 1950. The standing figure has one arm stretched upwards and one downwards. The body and limbs are made from raffia, filled with dried banana leaves and various other materials and covered with dyed fabric. The upper part of the head is made of a patterned piece of cloth that suggests a head covering. In the face, the eyes and eyebrows are painted and the open mouth reveals little teeth made of wood. The upper body is adorned with traditional geometric patterns. The Bembe are primarily known for their small wooden sculptures and muzidi figures of this kind, which are usually devoted to specific ancestors.



The reliquary figure is in good condition with age and wear. Some seams are newly sutured. The height is 56 cm. (tfa)

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