Statue(s) - Wood, Pigments - Lwena - Congo DRC

LWENA STATUETTE Culture Luluwa - Democratic Republic of the Congo Second half of the 20th century Wood, pigments H. 33. 5; Long. : 6. 5; W. : 7 Effigy of a full-length pregnant woman, made up of scarifications on the head, shoulders, bust, stomach, back and legs. The statuette is capped with a crest, wears a hot cover and a necklace. Red pigments are found all over the body and white pigments are found in the eyes and mouth. These effigies are called Bwanga Bwa Cibola and were used in connection with problems related to the fertility of women; such as dealing with the death of the child from birth or at an early age but also during a series of miscarriages. These anthropomorphic statuettes were kept in a basket near the bed of its owner. They were regularly coated with a mixture of oil, red-colored camwood powder and kaolin. Very good general condition Text and photos © FCP CORIDON