Early 20th Century Ndengese Male Wooden Figure

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This Ndengese Figure from Congo is a remarkable Ndengese sculpture, portraying a dignified and authoritative male with hands placed on … Read more This Ndengese Figure from Congo is a remarkable Ndengese sculpture, portraying a dignified and authoritative male with hands placed on both sides of the umbilicus, symbolizing lineage and emphasizing the importance of descendants from his line. The genital area is proudly carved, underlining the significance of the lineage, often omitted in market copies. The face exudes masculinity, while the torso is adorned with intricate designs serving as a symbolic language, praising the attributes of the royal line.
Historically, the torso's scarification mirrors that of ancient Ndengese kings, and the royal vestments, including jewelry and headdresses, are reminiscent of coronation attire. Aesthetically, this artwork is outstanding and holds significance as an African religious object, crafted with skill and infused with human dignity by its makers.
The Ndengese, neighboring the Kuba, are known for elaborate body scarification and claim to be from the Mongo group, predating the arrival of the Kuba in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Descended from the Etotosthe hi, they share cultural and artistic similarities with the Mongo and Kuba. Ndengese society is patrilineal, led by King Etoshi and a council of elders, with power counterbalanced by various societies. They engage in farming, hunting, and fishing, with religion intertwined with status societies.
Ndengese art includes raffia cloth, wooden heads, flywhisks, and rare statues. These statues, ending just below the pubic area, are characterized by elaborate scarifications with ritual meanings. The figures represent the king, embodying his power, often placed on the tombs of Etotoshi members. Chief figures, Isikimanji, hold the power and clothing of the deceased king, transferred to the new king in elaborate enthronement ceremonies.
It stands on its own, but is a little unstable, rounded base.







Height (In) 19.5Width (In) 5.0Depth (In) 5.0







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