Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Songye culture, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A charming hand-carved wooden magic figure known as a "buanga" boasting a lustrous burnish over mottled hues of mocha and caramel. Squatting atop a circular plinth, the highly stylized figure places both hands on a rotund belly that hangs over a pair of stocky legs and huge feet. Her thin arms hang from square shoulders topped with a thick neck, while her back presents an arched spine and bulbous posterior. The figure's ovoid head displays full lips, a flat nose, and large, slanted eyes that squint under a heavily wrinkled brow and needle-like, top point. Buanga figures can be male or female and are carved as dedicatory effigies to positive ends. As this figure is possibly pregnant due to its portly abdomen, it may have been dedicated to a successful pregnancy. Size: 2.125" W x 7.125" H (5.4 cm x 18.1 cm); 8.375" H (21.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection
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#162170
Condition
Collection label on side of included custom stand. Stomach and chest have been reattached with some areas restored. Fissure on groin and on front of base. Petite perforation on back. Expected surface wear with nicks/chips and abrasions throughout. Otherwise, very nice with light earthen deposits in recessed areas.