Chief figure Ndengese Kuba Bushoong - SOLD OUT
Royal African Art at the Ndengese / Kuba Bushoong
In the Congo, the Ndengese people live in the Kasai Occidental region, in the Woot cultural complex. This is generally known as the kuba or bushoong kingdom, because of the nine branches, mentioned in the original myth, which constitute it, only the bushoong branch holds the kingship. This explains why, in the abundant harvest of objects of power in this region, the royal effigies are bushoong, while in the other branches, the effigies belong to other forms of authority, as is the case with this statue of Ndengese chief.
The character, in his hold and the position of his hands, represents the leader and symbolizes power and authority. The many symbols that cover it inform about the relationship between the leader and his subjects. Indeed, on the head, the frustoconical headdress (lakét) is one of the insignia of power that receives the chiefs and the notables at the time of their accession to the status of dignitary.
Placed on the top of the head, it symbolizes wisdom and intelligence, dignity and consideration. Because we do not receive it, but we deserve it. The shape of the headdress of the chief ndengese and the signs it contains contain two proverbs. One is addressed to the chief: "you have received the power but you have also received all the problems that his detention entails", the second is addressed to those who look at the lakét, ie the subjects: " authority is represented by the one who wears lakét ". The hands surrounding the hips below the navel recall the common origin of those who depend on the chief and whose collaboration he expects.
The most recurrent symbol is ilweeng alweeng, the recessed cap, the concentric circles. They appear on the temples, on the nape of the neck, on the anterior face of the trunk and all along the arms. At each of these locations, Ilweeng Alweeng acquires special connotations. The number of rings adds other nuances. To learn more about the meaning of the stylistic elements present on the character, contact us.
Origin : private collection P. Vandenbergh, BelgiumDating : 1960'sSize : 41 x 10 cmMaterial : wood
00279
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1960
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
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Royal African Art at the Ndengese / Kuba Bushoong
In the Congo, the Ndengese people live in the Kasai Occidental region, in the Woot cultural complex. This is generally known as the kuba or bushoong kingdom, because of the nine branches, mentioned in the original myth, which constitute it, only the bushoong branch holds the kingship. This explains why, in the abundant harvest of objects of power in this region, the royal effigies are bushoong, while in the other branches, the effigies belong to other forms of authority, as is the case with this statue of Ndengese chief.
The character, in his hold and the position of his hands, represents the leader and symbolizes power and authority. The many symbols that cover it inform about the relationship between the leader and his subjects. Indeed, on the head, the frustoconical headdress (lakét) is one of the insignia of power that receives the chiefs and the notables at the time of their accession to the status of dignitary.
Placed on the top of the head, it symbolizes wisdom and intelligence, dignity and consideration. Because we do not receive it, but we deserve it. The shape of the headdress of the chief ndengese and the signs it contains contain two proverbs. One is addressed to the chief: "you have received the power but you have also received all the problems that his detention entails", the second is addressed to those who look at the lakét, ie the subjects: " authority is represented by the one who wears lakét ". The hands surrounding the hips below the navel recall the common origin of those who depend on the chief and whose collaboration he expects.
The most recurrent symbol is ilweeng alweeng, the recessed cap, the concentric circles. They appear on the temples, on the nape of the neck, on the anterior face of the trunk and all along the arms. At each of these locations, Ilweeng Alweeng acquires special connotations. The number of rings adds other nuances. To learn more about the meaning of the stylistic elements present on the character, contact us.
Origin : private collection P. Vandenbergh, BelgiumDating : 1960'sSize : 41 x 10 cmMaterial : wood