Amongst the Bongo in South Sudan there are two different types of steles which are set up on graves. Both of these interesting types are offered in the ‘Tribal Art Auction’ of the Dorotheum (see also cat. no. 2). The over-lifesize female figure presented here belongs to the more rare type of the naturalistically represented figural grave sculptures of the Bongo. Style: Tonj Region. Such grave steles were erected only for very important ‘priestesses’ or healers. She is carved out of a single tree branch, of very hard, light-coloured wood. Her eye-catching, proportionally larger head has a hole at the top on the hair parting (weathering caused by rain, since the figure stood for many years outdoors). At the sides of the head are her semicircular ears. Her face displays a rounded forehead, small, round, deep-set eyes, a straight nose and a small mouth which slightly protrudes like the chin. Her arms are partially carved free of the body and are bent. Beneath her breasts, her hands rest on her stomach, one above, one below. Her genitalia are indicated. The woman stands on long, straight legs (without feet) on a round plinth. Overall, a very rare grave sculpture of the Bongo, in naturalistic-figural style. With patina and damage caused by age and weathering: cracks, some small breaks, and other traces of weathering. H: 182 cm (total). First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Belgian Private Collection.

Lit.: ‘Tribal-Art Magazine’ 1999/2000, p. 82, text and photos; 'Die Kunst des schwarzen Afrika' by Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan, fig. 790, 791; 'African Art in American Collections' by Robbins & Nooter, fig. 1300; 'Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture' by K.-F. Schädler, fig. p. 114.