African Arts Gallery

A people from 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 of the Upper Nile. They produced primitive art statues with absent or truncated lower limbs, covered with graphic symbols, symbolizing the prestige of the leader. The flared hairstyle topped with a summit horn (truncated here) 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 scarified patterns traced on the bust aim to differentiate socially and aesthetically. Satin brown patina, drying cracks.
Ref.: “Treasures of Africa” Tervuren Museum.