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African & Tribal Art :
Kongo, Yombe : Kongo Ivory Sculpture of a Seated Man
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Kongo Ivory Sculpture of a Seated Man - PF.5091
Origin: Southwestern Congo/Angola
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
11.875" (30.2cm) high
x 3" (7.6cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Ivory
Location: United States
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| Description |
Seated with his legs crossed this male figure
wears a European style helmet with curved sides
and a knob on the top. His face is finely modeled
and very expressive, showing both humility and
pride. He holds a bottle in his left hand, the
neck just touching a cup held in his right hand.
At the base are three figures in relief showing
two men facing each other on the front, and a
women holding a baby. The frontal figures are in
the same position with one knee resting on the
ground. This is the posture of the hunter or
healer offering his respects to the king. Between
them is a solid object like a stool or cushion,
which they frame nicely by the perfect
proportions of their heads and body. The woman
holds the child by the shoulders, with the baby's
head turned upwards. Given the obvious
prominence of the upper figure, he most likely
represents a king or important chief; perhaps
offering a libation to the gods, or visiting
dignitaries at a ceremonial event.
- (PF.5091)
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