Rare sculpture - Wood - Basikasingo-Bembe-Buyu(Boyo) - Kivu & Maniema, Eastern Congo

A rare male Basikasingo- eastern Bembe--Buyu ancestral shrine figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo Ex private collection, London, UK The art of the Buyu (aka Boyo or Buye) people is famous for its elegant and highly cubistic aesthetics. Those rare figures where found at the sources of the Luama river, from the east of Bangubangu territory to the northwestern border of Lake Tanganyika in present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Buyu live at the heart of one of the most artistic areas of the Congo. According to Biebuyck (in MRAC 1995: 372, text to cat. 200) , the male and female figures were "part of the cult for ancestors, founders of small independent political entities [. . .] . The figurines, . . . are kept in small shrines under the authority and guardianship of a petty chief, village headman or dominant lineage elder. Throughout the territory, that is identified with the [Buyu] ethnic group, cult for individually identified ancestors (bashumbu) is practiced at different levels of the lineage structure and sometimes merged with various beliefs in nature spirits (biseko, bahombo) , but few sculptures are used in these cults. In times of crisis, the senior in charge of the cult would sleep in the shrine, and with some helpers engage in invocation, praises and libations for his ancestors to obtain their benevolence and cooperation. " The fine encrusted palm on patina on the offered lot can be directly ascribed to this kind of libation ritual. Shipping via Royal Mail (unless requested otherwise) within 24hrs after payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery. Fully insured.