Mangbetu, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A large, decorated terracotta vessel, with a sitting Mangbetu woman.
Mangbetu, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A large, decorated terracotta vessel, with a sitting Mangbetu woman.
The Mangbetu people, in northeastern Congo, had the custom of bandaging the head of their babies from an early stage for the purpose of stretching the back of the head upwards. An ‘ideal of beauty’ that was regarded as especially noble. The women’s hairstyle was additionally stretched upwards into a funnel-shaped, open wreath by means of a support fabric. This custom, known only among the Mangbetu, is clearly recognisable in the female figure sitting on the present unusually large water, or palm-wine, vessel. The jug is exquisitely manufactured from a single hollow piece of reddish clay. The round abdomen displays a carefully executed geometrical decoration made of impressed dots and circles. The typical Mangbetu head and the arms display the customary tribal scarification marks, and are further decorated with a choker and a bangle. The hairstyle serves as a spout, arms and legs as handles, with an ‘air hole' on the back. Overall a very interesting, old object with good usage patina. No damage. Some minor pieces broken off. First half of the 20th century; H: c. 50 cm, DM: c. 30 cm (belly of the vessel). (ME)
Provenance: Belgian private collection.
Literature: 'Erde und Erz' by K.-F. Schädler, p. 294, 295.
Additional photo:
Mangbetu woman with typical hairstyle.
Photo from ‘Die große Völkerkunde’ by Hugo A. Bernatzik
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
24.03.2014 - 16:00
- Stima:
-
EUR 1.800,- a EUR 2.000,-
Mangbetu, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A large, decorated terracotta vessel, with a sitting Mangbetu woman.
The Mangbetu people, in northeastern Congo, had the custom of bandaging the head of their babies from an early stage for the purpose of stretching the back of the head upwards. An ‘ideal of beauty’ that was regarded as especially noble. The women’s hairstyle was additionally stretched upwards into a funnel-shaped, open wreath by means of a support fabric. This custom, known only among the Mangbetu, is clearly recognisable in the female figure sitting on the present unusually large water, or palm-wine, vessel. The jug is exquisitely manufactured from a single hollow piece of reddish clay. The round abdomen displays a carefully executed geometrical decoration made of impressed dots and circles. The typical Mangbetu head and the arms display the customary tribal scarification marks, and are further decorated with a choker and a bangle. The hairstyle serves as a spout, arms and legs as handles, with an ‘air hole' on the back. Overall a very interesting, old object with good usage patina. No damage. Some minor pieces broken off. First half of the 20th century; H: c. 50 cm, DM: c. 30 cm (belly of the vessel). (ME)
Provenance: Belgian private collection.
Literature: 'Erde und Erz' by K.-F. Schädler, p. 294, 295.
Additional photo:
Mangbetu woman with typical hairstyle.
Photo from ‘Die große Völkerkunde’ by Hugo A. Bernatzik
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Asta: | Tribal Art |
| Tipo d'asta: | Asta in sala |
| Data: | 24.03.2014 - 16:00 |
| Luogo dell'asta: | Wien | Palais Dorotheum |
| Esposizione: | 18.03. - 24.03.2014 |