Ancestor Figure – Wood – Lwalwa – Congo

Old wooden ancestor figure from the LWALWA tribe of D.R. Congo.
The LWALWA tribe is related to the LULUA and live around the frontier with Angola. They are of KETE origin and come in close contact with the LUNDA people during the 17th century (The tribal Arts of Africa, Jean-Baptiste Bacquart p. 181).

Lwalwa artistic output epitomizes the use of geometric abstraction in African art. This particular figure with its contrasting simple geometric planes, has a strength and power beyond its basic form.
The face has a typical enlarged nose, a protruding mouth and slanted eyes set under a deeply domed forehead. Beautiful covered with black kaolin. Contains a crack in the wood around the right shoulder due to aging.

Provenance: former private collection from the Netherlands. Including custom made stand.

Object:	Ancestor Figure
Ethnic group:	Lwalwa
Country:	DR Congo
Material:	Wood
Period:	Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:	Yes
Dimensions:	50x14x11 cm
Weight:	2100 gram
Condition:	Good condition, used with sclear signs of wear