MALE STATUETTE called Nkiba - Wood - Teke - Congo DRC

Masculine Figurine named Nkiba Teke culture, Democratic Republic of Congo. Late 19th, early 20th century. Wood. Height: 23 cm; Width: 4. 5 cm. Depth: 5 cm. (ancient damage on the left foot) Statuette in wood, with a shiny patina, a cylindrical body, it is standing on its angular legs, individualised from one another, the knees are slightly bent, the feet are stylised, the hips are protruding and the genitals are indicated. The thin arms are in light relief, along the body, the hands lay on the bust, the neck is large and presents obvious carving marks. The face seems to include all the refinement and agility of the sculptor: a thin nose, a half-open mouth, C-shaped ears, slit eyes, and the contour of the hairdo is incised. The face and beard are engraved with obliques ending into a zigzag which runs until the neck. These facial scarifications are named “mabina”. The hairdo on backside of the head is in the traditional “imwu” style.