This ancient figure was used as a container for the spirit of an ancestor and had the power to provide for the well being of its owner and his family or to punish him for failure to observe the rules of proper behavior established by the ancestors. The figure originates from the Bembe tribe, a small group of people living in Uige Province in Angola. Among the Bembe, ancestors had close ties with the living and received offerings through the “priest,” who made appeals to statuettes. These figurines were used as magic statues (nkisi) by the sorcerers, they were idealized images of the ancestors and would often wear attributes that allowed them to be identified as medicine men or hunters.
Without added materials, the statue is only an object to be appreciated for its beauty, and it may be disposed of freely. This male figure is a symbol of power and prestige. These figures are usually is upright with knees slightly bent. The following is a male figure with inlaid eyes, carved from wood with a dark shiny brown patina and shows visible signs of age and usage.
- Material: Wood
- Condition: Very Good
- Age: Approx 65-70yrs
- Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
- SKU: CSTA-037
- Weight: 0.8 kg
- Dimensions: 8 x 32 x 6 cm