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Rare BEMBE 43cm ancestor figure Congo Drc African tribal Art MC 1879

Description

Title: Rare BEMBE 43cm ancestor figure Congo Drc African tribal Art MC 1879

Description: CONGO RDC
BEMBE Ancestor Figure
Beautiful sculpture with impressive angular architecture
For a piece with similar architecture, see Biebuyck, 1981, pages 71 to 75
According to the author, these statues were probably 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 17 inches high (43cm)
18 1/2 with the base (47cm)
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: $1,000.00

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Location: This item ships from Belgium

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Rare BEMBE 43cm ancestor figure Congo Drc African tribal Art MC 1879

Lot 0044

Estimate $1,200-$1,500

Bidding starts Mar 24, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT

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Primitive Passions: Exclusive Tribal Art Sale

Mar 24, 2026 8:00 PM EDT

New York, NY, United States

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