Lari / Teke fertility figure, DRC An anthropomorphic... Lot 39

Lari / Teke fertility figure, DRC An anthropomorphic figure with a striated, bearded face, this statue features a typical Kongo keloid on the forehead. The arms are thrown back, the hands strangely placed above the ears, a gesture whose meaning is unknown to us. The bulbous belly indicates pregnancy, while the thick legs form a slight flexion. Velvety, grayish-brown patina. Desiccation cracks 47 x 9 cm Ref : "Art et Kongos" M.L. Félix ( p.203 à 208) The African art of the Lari bears the influence of the groups with which they cohabit: Beembe, Sundi, Bwende and Teke. Originally from the Kongo Kingdom, the Lari, Lali and Baladi settled in Teke territory. Matrilineal, they are organized into lineages headed by a mfumu kanda chief, and grouped into villages under the authority of the mfumu mpu chief. They live by farming and hunting, the latter requiring the use of specific rituals involving sculptures. Sorcerers and healers also use statuettes, including "mamuanga", as well as sculptures related to the lemba initiation cult.