Standing female figure / mortar
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Lot: 336
99th AuctionStanding female figure / mortar
D. R. Congo, Mbala
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
Belgian Collection | H: 8.7 inch |
5000 EUR
plus 23 % commission, VAT, transport and insurance |
wood, rest.
The figure has various openings for inserting magical charge. Due to the carved bowl on the head, it could be used as a mortar. Mortars are prestigious objects among the Mbala. Figural sculpture in general was usually part of the chief's treasure.
For figures by the same artist, see AHDRC 0017203, 0017319, and 0017324. There are stylistic similarities in terms of body formation and physiognomy. Consider the narrow elongated eyes, the mouth with "bared" teeth, the finely dotted eyebrows, as well as the shape of the ears or the hairstyle.