Lot: 521

77th tribal art auction

Magical figure

D. R. Congo, Suku

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
Frans Heymans, Antwerp, Belgium H: 11.6 inch This object is not available anymore.

wood, dark brown patina, camwood powder, armless cylindrical trunk, coated with deep grooves, cap-like coiffure, simple facial features, slightly dam., crack backside, base;
probably a magical figure called "phuungu". These figures served as containers for protective magical power exercised by the experts against illness, to avenge sorcery and for supernatural assistance in hunting.