African art > African statues : tribal fetish, maternity > Mbala Statue

Mbala Statue (N° 22877)

Stocky, carried by ample feet, this sculpted figure offers a large head similar to a helmet mask. Among neighboring Kongo clans, the naked, squatting posture, sondama, evokes emergency action, attacking enemies in a supernatural way. The Hungaan, mixed with the Mbala, also carve similar figures. The headdress bears great similarities to the mukote headdress which among the Western Pende with which the Mbalashared mukanda circumcision rituals , became a symbol of the struggle against colonization in the early 20th century
Iconic pindi carvings were attributed to chief Mbala during his enthronement. Following a retreat of a few days, the royal insignia and charms were attributed to him, intended to fight the powers opposing hunting, social peace, and harvesting.
Grainy matte patina, slight chips.
Coming from Angola in the 17th century, the Mbala settled in the north-west of Zaire and in the east among the Pelende, the Suku, the Pende, and the Yaka. Formerly matrilineal, they are made up of clans headed by the maternal uncle. The chief was in charge of the worship of the ancestors, however quite limited.
Ref. : "African Art" ed. Mazenod; "Treasures of Africa" ​​ed. Tervuren Museum; "Black African Tribal Art." JB Bacquart; "Umbangu, Art from the Congo at the Royal Museum of the Belgian Congo" ed. Culture.  

280.00 
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OriginEx-Collection belge
EthnyMbala
Countryrdc ex zaire
Material(s)wood
Height cm50
Width13 cm
Weight2.65 Kg

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