African Arts Gallery

For the Jonga, this African sculpture would represent the Endundu ancestor. It appeared as part of the initiation rites of the Nkoumi, or Nkumi, solidarity association, inspired by the neighboring Nkutshu. The mere presence of the effigy, perceived as a threat, also encouraged those fined to pay their fines. (Ref.: "Art sans pareil, objets merveilleux du MRAC" ed. J. Volper.")
Two-tone patina, desiccation cracks.
The Mbole form one of the many clans belonging to the Mongo ethnic group including the Bolia, Bokote, Bongandu, Ekonda, Mbole, Dengese, Nkutu, Ntomba, Kole, Sengele, Songomeno, Iyasa, Bakutu, Bakusu, Iyadjima (Iyaelima), Boyela, and the Batetela. The latter are distributed between southern Equateur province (province) and northern Bandundu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A tribe of the Mbole group, the Jonga live in the forest south of the Mbolé, hunting and farming. Their artistic production, representing mostly ancestors, is poorly documented. All of these groups had similar associations, including the Nkoumi male society among the Jonga, and initiation rituals in which masks were used. Their sculpture remains rare.