Lulua (or Bena Lulua), Dem. Rep. of Congo: A sitting protective figure made of ivory.
The Lulua people in the southern and central territories of Congo manufactured these small, sitting figures, with their elbows on their knees and the head in their hands, as protective figures against general misfortune and illness. Above all pregnant women would place these small protective figures under the belt of their wrapover skirts to guarantee an easy birth. The present, small Bena-Lulua figure made of old ivory has a cavity on its head (probably for additional protecting 'magic substances'), typical tribal scarification marks and good, old, honey-coloured, ‘worn’ patina. First half of the 20th century, probably c. 1920-1940. H: c. 50 cm. (ME) ASA
Provenance: Kanaga Gallery, Paris; private collection, Vienna.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
24.03.2014 - 16:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 2,000.- to EUR 3,000.-
Lulua (or Bena Lulua), Dem. Rep. of Congo: A sitting protective figure made of ivory.
The Lulua people in the southern and central territories of Congo manufactured these small, sitting figures, with their elbows on their knees and the head in their hands, as protective figures against general misfortune and illness. Above all pregnant women would place these small protective figures under the belt of their wrapover skirts to guarantee an easy birth. The present, small Bena-Lulua figure made of old ivory has a cavity on its head (probably for additional protecting 'magic substances'), typical tribal scarification marks and good, old, honey-coloured, ‘worn’ patina. First half of the 20th century, probably c. 1920-1940. H: c. 50 cm. (ME) ASA
Provenance: Kanaga Gallery, Paris; private collection, Vienna.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 24.03.2014 - 16:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 18.03. - 24.03.2014 |