unidentified Congolese

Description

A number of functions have been attributed to these figures (Cornet 1971:202-207); the most carefully carved are portraits of specific ancestors. Figures which are sometimes less finished represent spirits (vidye) associated with natural forces (Maesen 1967:51). Beautiful carved female figures are used in initiation rites of secret societies. Finally, magical figures, which are called mikishi mihase east of the Lualaba River, are imbued with power by placing horns full of medicine in a cavity in the head. Although Cornet states that magical figures are most often roughly carved. the hole in the top of the head of this figure identifies it as a mikishi mihase The figure's gesture of holding the breasts refers to human fertility and is common to many sculptural styles in Africa. The raised markings on the stomach accurately reproduce scarification patterns which may serve to denote rank. The shiny rather sticky surface of the figure is the result of frequent applications of palm oil. -- Professor Christopher Roy, School of Art and Art History, University of Iowa Contact the Stanley Museum of Art at the University of Iowa: https://stanleymuseum.uiowa.edu/about/contact/ The Stanley Collection compound object 2007 Medicinal ingredients placed in hole on top of head Southern Savannah Sankuru/ Lualaba Rivers Protective Spirit Abundance Luba 1 million Ciluba and Kiswahili Southeastern Zaire and northwest Zambia Chokwe, Ndembu, Kaonde, Bemba, Tabwa, Hemba, Songye, Lunda The relentless expansion of Luba empire can be traced as far back as 1500 when it emerged from the Upemba depression which is still the...