African Arts Gallery

This type of symbolic sculpture was used during enthronement rites. Grainy, velvety black patina. Desication cracks.
The Tabwa ("scarify" and "write") constitute an ethnic group present in the South-East of the DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. The tribes of this region, such as the Tumbwe, worship the mipasi ancestors through sculptures held by chiefs or sorcerers. A magical charge (dawa) was frequently placed on top of the statues' heads. Soothsayers-healers used this type of object to reveal witchcraft and protect against malevolent spirits. .
Simple farmers without centralized power, the Tabwa federated around tribal chiefs after coming under the influence of the Luba. It was mainly during this period that their artistic current was expressed mainly through statues but also ...

An ancestor figure intended to sit on an altar, this African tribal art figure, bears the facial and body scarification of the Batabwa clans.
Dark glossy patina, abrasions.
The Tabwa ("scarify" and "write") are an ethnic group found in southeastern DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. Tribes in this region, such as the Tumbwe , worship ancestors mipasi through carvings held by chiefs or sorcerers. A magical charge ( dawa )was frequently inserted atop the statues' heads. The diviners-healers used this type of object to reveal sorcery and protect against malevolent spirits.
Simple farmers without centralized power, the Tabwa federated around tribal chiefs after having been influenced by the Luba. It was mainly during this period that their artistic current was ...

This type of object, human figures perched on the shoulders of their fellows, is characteristic of sculptures associated with enthronement rites. Brown satin patina. The Tabwa ("scarify" and "write") are an ethnic group found in southeastern DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. Tribes in this region, such as the Tumbwe , worship ancestors mipasi through carvings held by chiefs or witch doctors. A magical charge ( dawa )was frequently inserted atop the statues' heads. The diviners-healers used this type of object to reveal sorcery and protect against malevolent spirits.
Simple farmers without centralized power, the Tabwa federated around tribal chiefs after having been influenced by the Luba. It was mainly during this period that their artistic current was expressed mainly ...

The African tribal art of the Tabwa, prestigious objects.

Used by the female initiation society, these tubular female figures like the dolls in the group form protective charms.
Golden brown patina.
The Tabwa ("scarify" and "write") constitute an ethnic group present in the south-east of the DRC. Simple farmers without centralized power, they federated around tribal chiefs after coming under the influence of the Luba. It was mainly during this period that their artistic current was expressed mainly through statues but also masks. The Tabwa practiced ancestor worship and dedicated some of their statues named mkisi to them. Animists, their beliefs are anchored around the ngulu, spirits of nature present in plants and rocks. The Luba dominated the Tabwa in the region ...

Mask of modest proportions depicting a face with fine features, shared with linear scarifications crossing the forehead, the temples, and the cheeks. Circular ear flaps frame the face.
Honey brown patina, abrasions and desication cracks.
Height on base: 34 cm.

The Luba dominated the Tabwa in the region along Lake Tanganyika, between Zaire and Zambia. "Tabwa" or "being tied down" presumably refers to the system of slavery once practiced by Islamic merchants.
The Tabwa later regained their independence through the riches provided by the ivory trade. Just as the influence of the Luba is perceptible in the societies and rites of the Tabwa, the Tanzanian tribes have also marked the Tabwa statuary with regard to geometric decorative motifs.

Among the divination tools used by the nganga, this sculpture was gripped by the central frame to slide back and forth in response to questions posed to the ancestors. The impulse of the movement, which was attributed to the spirits, was supposed to make the consultant discover the source of his problems in order to find a solution. The Luba, related to the Songye through common ancestors, also used this type of object as part of their divination ceremonies.
Beautiful nuanced light brown patina. Small erosions.
The Tabwa ("scarify" and "write") constitute an ethnic group present in the South-East of the DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. The tribes of this region, such as the Tumbwe, worship Mipasi ancestors through sculptures held by chiefs or sorcerers. A magic charge (dawa) ...

Displaying linear scarifications in checkerboards, this sculpted character also sports a headdress in small diamonds. His posture remains classic, hands symbolically placed on the abdomen, evoking the importance of lineage, transmission, and seat of knowledge. Smooth ocher brown patina.
The Luba dominated the Tabwa in the region along Lake Tanganyika, between Zaire and Zambia. "Tabwa" or "to be tied down" presumably refers to the system of slavery once practiced by Islamic merchants. The Tabwa then regained their independence thanks to the wealth provided by the ivory trade. Just as the influence of the Luba is perceptible in the societies and rites of the Tabwa, the Tanzanian tribes have also marked the Tabwa statuary with regard to geometric decorative motifs.

The African tribal art of the Tabwa, prestigious objects.

Prestige comb with anthropomorphic motif, engraved with triangular scarifications balamwezi or apparition of the full moon » symbol associated with myths, carved on everyday objects and emblazoned on bodies.
Height on base: 35 cm.
The Tabwa ("scarify" and "write") constitute an ethnic group present in the south-east of the DRC. The Tabwa practiced ancestor worship and dedicated some of their statues named mkisi to them. Animists, their beliefs are anchored around the ngulu, spirits of nature present in plants and rocks. The Luba dominated the Tabwa in the region along Lake Tanganyika, between Zaire and Zambia. "Tabwa" or "being tied down" presumably refers to the system of slavery once practiced by ...

Fascinating double-purpose object, this figurative headrest is supported by caryatid elements ingeniously acting as a pipe. Indeed, the horn inserted in the animal motif composes the mouthpiece of the pipe, the smoke having to escape through the hole made in the head of the carved character. Patina of use, small accidents. The Tabwa ("to scarify" and "to write") constitute an ethnic group present in the South-East of the DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. The tribes of this region, such as the Tumbwe, worship the Mipasi ancestors through sculptures held by chiefs or sorcerers. A magical charge (dawa) was frequently placed at the top of the head of the statues. The diviners-healers used this type of object to reveal sorcery and protect against malevolent spirits. The Tabwa were simple ...

African tribal art of the Tabwa, prestigious objects.

This stylized figure devoid of limbs is endowed with feminine attributes and a protruding navel, and bears the traditional scarifications. Brown satin patina.
The Tabwa ("scarify" and "write") constitute an ethnic group present in the south-east of the DRC. Simple farmers without centralized power, they federated around tribal chiefs after coming under the influence of the Luba. The tribes of this region, such as the Tumbwe, worship the mipasi ancestors through sculptures held by chiefs or sorcerers. The Tabwa practiced ancestor worship and dedicated some of their statues named mkisi to them. Animists, their beliefs are anchored around the ngulu, spirits of nature present in plants and rocks.

Figurative neckrest whose motifs are two heads rising from a common base connected by their hairstyle. The faces bear the traditional linear scarifications of the group. This type of object could also be used, on occasion, as a stool.
Black patina, small chips and abrasions.
The Tabwa ("scarify" and "write") constitute an ethnic group present in the South-East of the DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. The tribes of this region, such as the Tumbwe, worship Mipasi ancestors through sculptures held by chiefs or sorcerers. A magic charge (dawa) was frequently introduced at the top of the head of the statues. Soothsayers-healers used this type of object to reveal witchcraft and protect against malevolent spirits. . Simple farmers without centralized power, the Tabwa federated ...

Ex Belgian private collection of African art Jan Putteneers.

Anthropomorphic spoons are recurrent in African art. This one is distinguished by the quality and the fineness of its sculpture. We find the typical headdress pulled back and long. The heart-shaped face is slightly reminiscent of that of some Fang.

The Tabwa are an ethnic group present in the southeast of the DRC. Simple farmers without centralized power, they federated around tribal chiefs after being influenced by the Luba. It is during this period that their artistic current expressed itself mainly through statues but also masks.
The Tabwa practiced ancestor worship and dedicated some of their statues to it. Animist, their beliefs are anchored around ngulu, spirit of nature ...

A prestigious object displayed during ceremonies and ritual dances, this weapon has an anthropomorphic handle depicting an ancestor with braids drawn towards the nape of the neck. Similar to the Luba, whose effigy bears abdominal scarification marks, the Tabwa and the populations that surround them generally depict the body in its entirety. Smooth mahogany red patina. The Tabwa are an ethnic group present in the southeast of the DRC. Simple farmers with no centralized power, they federated around tribal chiefs after coming under the influence of the Luba. It is mainly during this period that their artistic movement was expressed through statues and masks. The Tabwa practiced ancestor worship and dedicated some of their statues to them. Animists, their beliefs are ...

Box mask reproducing in miniature the famous zoomorphic mask symbolizing power. Golden beige patina encrusted with residual kaolin. Desication cracks.
br-The Tabwa ('scarifier' and 'write') are an ethnic group found in southeastern DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. The tribes of this region, such as the Tumbwe , worship the ancestors mipasi through sculptures held by chiefs or sorcerers. A magical charge (dawa) was introduced to the top of the head of the statues. Soothsayers used such objects to expose witchcraft and protect against evil spirits. The Tabwa, a simple farmers without centralized power, united around tribal leaders after being influenced by the Luba. It was mainly during this period that their artistic current was expressed mainly through statues but also through masks. ...

Ex-collection of Belgian African art.
African Tabwa mask symbolizing power. Polychrome matte patina.
The Tabwa ("to scarify" and "to write") constitute an ethnic group present in the South-East of the DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. The tribes of this region, such as the Tumbwe, worship their ancestors mipasi thanks to sculptures held by chiefs or sorcerers. A magical charge ( dawa ) was introduced at the top of the head of the statues. Healing soothsayers used this type of objects to unveil witchcraft and protect against malevolent spirits. Simple farmers without centralized power, the Tabwa federated around tribal chiefs after having undergone the influence of the Luba whose beliefs they integrated. It is mainly during this period that their artistic current ...

An ancestor figure, this female African tribal art figure, standing on a circular base, bears the facial and body scarification of the Batabwa clans.
Golden yellow satin patina, cracks and abrasions.
The Tabwa ("scarify" and "write") are an ethnic group found in southeastern DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. Tribes in this region, such as the Tumbwe , worship ancestors mipasi through carvings held by chiefs or sorcerers. A magical charge ( dawa )was frequently inserted atop the statues' heads. The diviners-healers used this type of object to reveal sorcery and protect against malevolent spirits.
Simple farmers without centralized power, the Tabwa federated around tribal chiefs after having been influenced by the Luba. It was mainly during this period that ...

Ex-German African art collection.

The Tabwa ('scarifier' and 'write') are an ethnic group present in the south-east of the DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. The tribes of this region, such as the Tumbwe, worship the ancestors mipasi through sculptures held by chiefs or sorcerers.
Simples farmers without centralized power, the Tabwa united around tribal leaders after being influenced by the Luba. It was mainly during this period that their artistic current was expressed mainly through statues but also through masks. The Tabwa worshipped ancestors and dedicated some of their statues to them. Animists, their beliefs are rooted around ngulu, spirits of nature present in plants and rocks. Source: Treasures of Africa Ed. Tervuren Museum.

African statuette tabwa recognizable by its linear scarifications composed of small checkerboards. The position is frontal, the graceful arms parallel to the bust, hands placed on the abdomen. Lustrous orange-brown patina. Abrasions, slight cracks.
The Tabwa ("to scarify" and "to write") are an ethnic group found in southeastern DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. Tribes in this region, such as the Tumbwe , worship ancestors mipasi through carvings held by chiefs or sorcerers. Simple cultivators with no centralized power, the Tabwa federated around tribal chiefs after coming under the influence of the Luba. It was mainly during this period that their artistic current was expressed mainly through statues but also masks. The Tabwa practiced ancestor worship and dedicated some of ...

Ex-German African art collection. African statuette with linear scarifications composed of small checkerboards, and a headdress chiseled with rhombuses. The position is frontal, half-bent legs anchored on a circular base, the hands resting on either side of a prominent umbilicus, enhancing the lineage of the ancestor represented. Semi-satin orange-brown patina. Desiccation cracks.
The Tabwa ("scarify" and "write") are an ethnic group found in southeastern DRC, around Lake Tanganyika. Tribes in this region, such as the Tumbwe , worship ancestors mipasi through carvings held by chiefs or sorcerers. Simple cultivators with no centralized power, the Tabwa federated around tribal chiefs after coming under the influence of the Luba. It was mainly during this period that their ...

Ex-collection African art from Belgium.
The African tribal art of the Tabwa, prestige objects.

Used by the female initiation society, this limbless human figure has feminine attributes and a protruding navel, scarifications comparable to the traditional ones of tribal members. Golden brown patina.
The Tabwa ("to scarify" and "to write") constitute an ethnic group present in the southeast of the DRC. Simple farmers without centralized power, they federated around tribal chiefs after being influenced by the Luba. It is mainly during this period that their artistic current was expressed through statues but also masks. The Tabwa practiced ancestor worship and dedicated some of their statues named mkisi . Animists, their beliefs are anchored around the ngulu, ...