A characteristic, male ancestor figure of the Eastern Bembe, who live in eastern Congo (there is also a Western Bembe tribe in the southwest of Congo, with an entirely different artistic style!). This figure could possibly also originate from a Basikasingo clan, a related sub-tribe of the Eastern Bembe, with a very similar style. The present sculpture made of hard, heavy wood displays all the features of this rare Eastern Bembe/Basikasingo style (often also erroneously called Pre-Bembe style): a proportional large head, with a long drawn, triangular face with large, slanted eyes, long nose and protruding, small mouth. Framed by a serrated beard. Very typical are also the broad, protruding shoulders, the curved back and the short, bent legs. On its crest, this male ancestor figure displays a round cavity for ‘magical substances’. A rare piece with all the important stylistic features of the Eastern Bembe (or Basikasingo), with good patina and only minor age damage (small, old breaks on the back and minor cracks). First third of the 20th century; h: 24 cm. (ME)

Provenance: French private collection.

Lit.: ‘The Tribal Arts of Africa’ by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, ill. p. 152, fig. 3, 5.