Male Tabwa Statue on Base 12.5″ – DR Congo – African Art

$300.00

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This statue was carved in the style of the Tabwa people of DRC. The statue features a male figure with his hands on his abdomen. He measures 11 inches tall, 12.5 inches including base, and weighs 1.5 pounds. There is wear and tear throughout. Please inspect photos carefully.

Type of Object

Figure, statue

Country of Origin

DR Congo

Ethnicity

Tabwa

Material

Wood, Pigment

Approximate Age

Unknown

Height

11" figure | 12.5" including base

Width

3.75"

Depth

3.5"

Weight

1.5 lbs

Overall Condition

Minor imperfections and wear and tear.

Tribe Information

About the Tabwa People

“Historically, Tabwa people lived under Luba domination in small autonomous villages scattered within a territory that expanded across the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) and Zambia, along Lake Tanganyika. Interestingly, the verb ‘tabwa’ means ‘to be tied up’ and refers to when these people were taken as slaves. During the 19th century, the ivory trade brought wealth to the region and Tabwa people gained their independence. Today, they number 200,000 and are led by chief-sorcerers who rule over village chiefs and family chiefs. Their power is counterbalanced by male societies created on Luba prototypes and by female associations influenced by East African models. Traditionally, Tabwa people made their living from hunting and blacksmithing; nowadays, they farm and fish.

The influence on Tabwa art of their eastern Tanzanian neighbors is seen in their use of linear geometric decoration, while their western neighbors, the Luba, influenced the incorporation of prestige objects into Tabwa life.”

Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.