African Art - Dengese Totshi Ancestor Figure (No. 18448) - Ethnic Decoration

Ex-german collection accompanied by its certificate of authenticity. Ethnic group: ndenguese country: congo estimated date: mid-20th century a people of central africa established in kasai, neighboring the kuba, the ndengese form one of the clans descended from a common mongo ancestor, some of them originating from the upper nile. They produced primitive art statues with missing or truncated lower limbs, covered with graphic symbols, symbolizing the prestige of the chief. The flared hairstyle topped with a horn at the top is characteristic of the hairstyles acquired by the totshi chiefs belonging to the ikoho association and evokes particular proverbs. It symbolizes respect, intelligence and maturity. The face seems to be in meditation. The neck has rings. Raised diamond-shaped scarifications, with the aim of differentiating themselves socially and aesthetically, are drawn on the bust. The hands highlight the protruding navel. Light patina, few desiccation cracks. Ref.: "treasures of africa" tervuren museum.