Mvuala Yombé chief staff
€1,175.00
Called "Mvuala" this cane is the symbol of possession of power in this region which has known the European presence since the 9th century.
Representing a kneeling woman, her hands holding the saints, an attitude of fertility of the Yombe woman.
The expression of the face shows a strengthened lady who has undoubtedly gone through this obligatory initiation of the "khumbi", where she learned the notions of the mother holder of clan power in this matriarchal tribe.
The beautiful patina of use which marks this cane testifies to its frequent use, which allows us to date it around the 1940s. The character, acting as a pommel, surmounts a classic rod which has not escaped the different sections decorated with geometric diamond shapes and separated from each other by ringed friezes.When a yombé cane is only used to maintain the balance of an elderly person, it is then called "Diko di nkawu", the "Mvala" remaining exclusively an attribute of power.
Expertised by Lucien Aimé Mbungu Mbuka, director of the Antika gallery - Boboto Cultural Centre
Mr. Mbungu Mbuka received King Philippe of Belgium at the Antika African Art Gallery in 2022 as you can see in the attached photos.
Shipping fees
02553
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1940
- Size
- 99 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Called "Mvuala" this cane is the symbol of possession of power in this region which has known the European presence since the 9th century.
Representing a kneeling woman, her hands holding the saints, an attitude of fertility of the Yombe woman.
The expression of the face shows a strengthened lady who has undoubtedly gone through this obligatory initiation of the "khumbi", where she learned the notions of the mother holder of clan power in this matriarchal tribe.
The beautiful patina of use which marks this cane testifies to its frequent use, which allows us to date it around the 1940s. The character, acting as a pommel, surmounts a classic rod which has not escaped the different sections decorated with geometric diamond shapes and separated from each other by ringed friezes.When a yombé cane is only used to maintain the balance of an elderly person, it is then called "Diko di nkawu", the "Mvala" remaining exclusively an attribute of power.
Expertised by Lucien Aimé Mbungu Mbuka, director of the Antika gallery - Boboto Cultural Centre
Mr. Mbungu Mbuka received King Philippe of Belgium at the Antika African Art Gallery in 2022 as you can see in the attached photos.