
Description
Rare BEMBE Ancestor Figure
Beautiful sculpture with an almost cubist architecture.
According to Daniel P. Biebuyck, these statues were likely used by high-ranking members of the Bwamé association
The Bembe are based in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, north of Lake Tanganyika. (Do not confuse them with the Beembe who sometimes also spell Bembe and who are a people of the Kongo group)
They see themselves as the descendants of the Lega of which they are culturally close. The Bwamé of the Bembe has much in common with the Bwami of the Lega
At the same time, they have other secret associations such as Elunda and Alunga, whose mask helmets are well known by Congo art lovers.
Characteristics:
TYPE OF OBJECT: Figure, statue
ETHNICAL GROUP: Bembe
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Democratic Republic Congo
(ex Zaïre, ex Belgian Congo).
MATERIAL: Wood.
DIMENSIONS: About 15 1/4 inches high (38.5cm)
16 3/4 with the base (42.5cm)
CONDITION: Medium
Please have a look on pictures.
Bibliographie - Bibliography
- Statuary from te pre-Bembe hunters, Daniel P. Biebuyck, 1981, Royal Museum of Central Africa, Tervuren
- Le Bwame du Léopard des Babembe (Kivu-Congo), Pol-Pierre Gossiaux, ULG 2000-2006
Reserve: $500.00
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Rare BEMBE ancestor figure Congo Drc Sculpture Statue African tribal Art 1478
Estimate $600-$700
Starting Price
$240
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Feb 26, 2026 11:00 AM ESTNew York, NY, United States
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