CANE or STICK animated with a FIGURE of an ANCESTOR Beli

Mangbetu culture, North-East of the Democratic Republic of Congo

First half of the 20th century

Drink

124 x 2 x 1.7cm

(restoration)

She stands with her right hand resting on her abdomen and the left placed on her left buttock. His body is entirely incised with horizontal lines referring to traditional body paintings. Her oval face is finely sculpted with cheekbones marked with facial scarifications, a mouth with lips that seem to hiss, eyes with closed eyelids and small C-shaped ears. She wears the traditional hairstyle called tumburu.

The miniature representation of a figure from nebeli society is not common. Beli ancestors, often going in pairs, were associated with fertility and were kept in secret locations.

Thus, this stick must have had a destination, a symbol and an important owner.

Bibliography:

Reproduced in the exhibition catalog “62 cannes d’Afrique” and presented under number 26 on the occasion of the said exhibition organized by FCP CORIDON at Le Carré (Marché Serpette) from March to May 2022.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref. : 2226