Lemba Kakongo funeral figure

Belgian collection
Congo
Wood, plant fibers
circa 1960

Depicted seated side by side, these carved subjects are associated with the Lemba cult, a religious association seeking family harmony among various objectives. Glossy black patina, light granular residues. Desiccation cracks (base).
Established near the Woyo on the Atlantic Ocean coast between the former Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo) and the Republic of Congo, the Kakongo sculpted works related to proverbs. Their statues were frequently equipped with magical charges, like the nkisi fetishes of the north-western Kongo. They also produced female figures and maternity figures. The Vili, Lâri, Sûndi, Woyo, Bembé, Bwende, Yombé and Kôngo formed the Kôngo group, headed by the ntotela king. With the same beliefs and traditions, they produced statuary with codified gestures in line with their worldview.

Dimensions :
- Height : 21 cm
- Width : 12 cm