|
HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Kongo, Yombe : Kongo Ivory Flywhisk
|
 |
|
|
|
Kongo Ivory Flywhisk - PF.5092
Origin: Southwestern Congo/Angola
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
10.25" (26.0cm) high
Collection: African
Medium: Ivory and Hair
Additional Information: Dimensions Do Not Include the Hair
$6,000.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
A kneeling naked female surmounts the top. She
holds her breasts tightly with both hands, a large
navel protrudes, her mouth is open revealing
carefully carved teeth, an elegant coiffure is
formed of short horizontal lines in the front, with
vertical lines flowing to a point down at the
middle of the back. She sits on a tubular base
composed of seven narrow vertical panels each
with a zig-zag band and small triangles for
decoration. The thick horsehair is attached at the
base.
The finest Kongo sculptors have long been
employed to make objects of prestige for wealthy
individuals and members of the royal court.
Flywhisks are among the most appealing;
combining artistry, traditional imagery and
expensive materials, such as ivory, for an effect
intended to impress. Female figures are seen as
symbols of fertility and of supplication when
depicted kneeling. As an object of prestige this
flywhisk is refined, graceful and intriguing.
- (PF.5092)
|
| |
|
