Figure, pre-Bembe Hunter Groups; D.R.C. Congo
Wood; H. 15 1/2"
Originating from subgroups described
by D. Biebuyck (1981) as the "pre-Bembe hunters,"
such figures were used in an ancestor cult where
they represented the founders of small independent
political units. Although the Bembe, properly speaking,
use few sculptures, the subgroups similarly would
invoke, praise, and pour libations for ancestors
in order to obtain their benevolence and cooperation.
This fine old figure displays a classical columnar
torso and abstracted triangulation of the face.
Variations between the images into recognized sub-groupings
may be due to the disunity of these groups within
the larger Bembe cultural context.
