Yombe Phemba, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Alain Naoum – Antique African Art Gallery – Brussels
- Yombe Phemba, Democratic Republic of Congo
Late 19th century – Height c. 13.77 inches/c. 35 cm
Wood with light patina
Origin:
Field collected by a colonial administrator, Mr Puissant, by inheritance to family: Pierre Dartevelle
Description:
The artist has realistically depicted various facial details (left), taking care to reveal the teeth, which have been sculpted into points, an aesthetic practice in Kongo cultures. The shaping of the face, particularly in the cheeks and chin, has been carried out with great skill and attention to detail. Looking at the face in its entirety, it almost seems as if a discreet sound is escaping from the mouth. The thick eyebrows and the upward inclination of the head add to the feeling of life.
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