Product Description
Mangbetu Statue-
Ancestor’ Mangbetu figure box, originating from the Mangbetu peoples of Central Africa living to the south of the Zande in northeastern Congo (Kinshasa). They are believed to be ancestral portraits of Mangbetu royalties, and were used to decorate thrones, and likely placed in a shrine to honor them.
Made of 100% light wood, fiber Patin.
Model is W 40 – H 19 and weight 3 kg.
Description
This Beautiful Mangbetu made of light wood, fiber Patin, is an exceptional piece for your collection. It originates from the Mangbetu also spelled Monbuttu, peoples of Central Africa living to the south of the Zande in northeastern Congo (Kinshasa). The geometrical figure dates from 1950 – 1960. It serves as a secret container with a small door on the back of it. The box presumably an ancestor, holds a small door concealing a cavity nestled in the hollow of its abdomen. It certainly served as a receptacle in order to charge powers of the preparations which were deposited there, those very certainly connected with medicine or fertility.
The Mangbetu people stood out because of their elongated heads, and elaborated reed-reinforced coiffures, delicate facial features. Traditionally, babies’ heads were wrapped tightly with cloth in order to give them this distinctive appearance like you see on the figure. The practice, called Lipombo, began dying out in the 1950s with the arrival of more Europeans and westernization. Because of this distinctive look, it is easy to recognize Mangbetu figures in African art.
The Mangbetu are an ethnonym tribe originating from the northeast, probably from modern day Sudan and refers strictly to the ruling aristocracy. They inherited their position by subjugating leaders and people who live in the area, and controlled them with subkingdoms. They intertwined with the Bantu, and pygmy populations they encountered during their migration. They live mostly off hoe farming, fishing, and some hunting. Livestock was seen as a symbol of wealth and often traded for yams and plantains, source of primary crops, as well as copper and ivory.
Additional information
Weight | 3 kg |
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Dimensions | 40 × 19 cm |
Material | Bronze, Wood, Ceramic, Terracotta, Woven rattan, Leather |
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