[Untitled]
Item
Accession Number
2023.4.
Subject
Figure|Ritual|Central Africa
Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
Early 20th Century
Medium
Wood, metal pins, beads
Format
H x W x D: 17 in x 4 in x 3 1/2 in (43.18 cm x 10.16 cm x 8.89 cm)
Description
Standing figure with a long torso and arms resting on its side. The figure is decorated through carved patterning on the legs and head, along with beads wrapped around the waist and neck. The face is comprised of hollow, round eyes and an oval mouth, with a narrow nose at a higher relief. Metal pins are set around the head, and a small hole is present on the flat plane on the top of the head. This standing female figure may represent Nabo, one of the messengers of the deity Gale. Nabo figurines are placed in family altars as protection from hardship alongside the Seto, male figure. The scarification patterns, beads and decoration on the head are all reflective of the aesthetics of fertility figures.
Type
Standing Figure
Conforms To
Ngbaka