African Arts Gallery

Male figure Mbala (N° 18041)

Carved from a rather light wood whose velvety patina adopts a grey hue, this masculine figure was part of a couple used by the nganga during therapeutic rituals. Long desication cracks.
as from Angola in the 17th century, the Mbala settled in northwestern Zaire and east among the Pelende, Suku, Pende, and Yaka. Once matrilineal, they are made up of clans led by the maternal uncle. The chief was in charge of the worship of ancestors, however quite limited.
Ref.: African Art Ed. Mazenod;  " Treasures of Africa (p.309) ed. Tervuren Museum; Tribal art from black Africa. JB Bacquart;  " Umbangu, Art of Congo at the Royal Belgian Museum of Congo Ed. Cultura.