Tabwa Mipasi ancestor bust

The Tabwa or Batabwa live in the south-eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near Lake Tanganyika. Their art is marked by their practice of ancestor worship. They mainly sculpt statues bearing the effigy of ancestors called Mipasi. The bust presented here is very beautifully made. The torso is covered with ritual scarifications, as are the temples.

The patina, which is slightly crusty in places, testifies to a ritual use of the piece, as do the smooth and shiny areas to which palm oil was applied many times during ancestor ceremonies.

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Data sheet

Presumed dating
Vers 1960
Size
28 cm
Ethnic group
Tabwa / Batabwa
Material(s)
Wood, accessories
Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Origin
Tribal art collection Belgium
Condition
Excellent

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