Object number
AE.1961.0062.0003
Department
Title
Fragment of a male statue of the Tabwe peoples
Creator
Description
Statues representing male ancestors also embodied procreation and, being full of supernatural power, they protected the community. It is possible that this fragment of a statue once belonged to a Tabwa chief.
The ribbed vertical line on the torso that divides the body into two symmetrical halves evokes the division of the universe and the distinction between men (right) and women (left), and between the strong and the weak.
The imitated duiker antelope horns on the chest refer to magical substances that amplified the supernatural power of the statue.
Production place
Democratische Republiek Congo
Production date
1875 - 1899/ 1900 - 1925
Object name
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height: 33.9 cm (geheel)
width: 15 cm (geheel)
depth: 12 cm (geheel)
Acquisition date
1961-09-11
Acquisition method
purchase - Missionarissen van Afrika - Witte Paters van Antwerpen
