The Hungana are a small, matrilineal tribe in western Congo. They have a deep-rooted ancestor cult and manufacture ancestor figures that are placed in special shrines. Besides these, only small relief works made of ivory or bone are known from the Hungana people, who use these objects in healing ceremonies. Ancestor figures of the Hungana people, such as the present one, are extremely rare! Made of lightweight, light-coloured wood and dyed black. Standing on a round, jagged plinth and wrapped by a wreath of dark feathers on its back. Around its hips this male ancestor figure wears a string of twisted plant fibres. This sculpture was likely tied to a bigger ancestor figure by means of a string (ancestor figures can be up to 1 m in height). A good example of the very rare sculptural works of the Hungana people, with good, old patina and only minor age damage (a tear and a old fracture on the plinth).First third of the 20th century; H: 29 cm. . (ME)

Provenance: from the collection of the Dutch traveller and collector Fred ten Houten (1916-1995), who spent many years in Congo before 1960. Over the course of his journey around the world Fred ten Houten put together a considerable collection of tribal art. Currently in a Belgian private collection

Literature: 'African Art in American Collections' by Robbins & Nooter, ill. 980, 981; '100 Peoples of Zaire and their sculpture' by Marc L. Felix, p. 42, 43.