Tribal Art

Among the traditional African sculptures associated with the Bukota, this female figure, partially cut into flats, intervened during the initiation rites. In addition, combined with its male equivalent Ntanda, it guaranteed conflict resolution. Velvet matte patina, red and white ochre highlights. Crack on the base.
The Metoko and the Lengola, whose ritual sculptures are very close, are peoples of the primary forest dedicated to the worship of a single God, a monotheism rare in Africa. Their three-grade society, the Bukota, structured daily life and welcomed both men and women. It represents the equivalent of the association Bwami of the Lega. The sculptures played a role in the initiation ceremonies, and were then placed on the tomb of high-ranking initiates. Kakungu in particular ...

It was during funerary rites that this figure appeared and was then installed on the tomb. Very geometric, the sculpture also seems to have been organized around the sex of the figure. Lozenge patterns punctuate the light-colored surface, on which there are residual inlays of white clay. Erosion and cracks.
Statues named Ibubi , belonging to the Nkumi, elder of the Bukota used as the figure kakungu for initiation rites of the male society, played a role during mediation in disputes. The Metoko and the Lengola, whose ritual sculptures are very similar, are peoples of the primary forest dedicated to the worship of a single God, a monotheism rare in Africa. Their society comprising three grades, the Bukota, structured daily life and welcomed both men and women. It ...

The African art of the forest tribes.
Initiation figure of the Bukota society, probably a variant of the "kakungu" effigy, this rare reworked statuette without arms offers a leather-corse bust. Dark oiled patina, residual incrustations of white and ochre pigments on the face.
This cult male effigy comes from the Metoko and Lengola, located in the center of the Congolese basin between the Lomami and Lualaba rivers, peoples of the primary forest dedicated to the worship of a single God, monotheism rare in Africa. Their society , the Bukota , welcoming both men and women, is the equivalent of the association Bwami of the Lega. Their sculptures, subject to the influence of the neighboring Mbole, Lega and Binja, played a role during initiation, funeral or circumcision ...

This male figure was kept in the hut of future circumcisers. It represents kakungu , a mythical being whose bulging eyes indicate that he would have been a victim of witchcraft. The engraved lines, encrusted with kaolin, evoke the traditional tattoos and scarifications in use. This carved figure was displayed alongside a similar female figure.
Kakungu cult statue belonging to the Metoko and Lengola, primary forest peoples dedicated to the worship of a single God, a rare monotheism in Africa. Their society comprising three ranks, the Bukota, structured daily life and accommodated both men and women. It represents the equivalent of the Bwami association of the Lega. The sculptures played a role during initiation ceremonies, and were then placed on the tomb of high rank initiates. ...

This female figure was kept in the hut of future circumcisers. It represents kakungu , a mythical being whose bulging eyes indicate that he would have been a victim of witchcraft. The engraved lines, encrusted with kaolin, evoke the traditional tattoos and scarifications in use.
Kakungu cult statue belonging to the Metoko and Lengola, peoples of the primary forest dedicated to the worship of a single God, a rare monotheism in Africa. Their society comprising three ranks, the Bukota, structured daily life and accommodated both men and women. It represents the equivalent of the Bwami association of the Lega. The sculptures played a role during initiation ceremonies, and were then placed on the tomb of high rank initiates. Kakungu in particular was surrounded by other carved objects ...

This tribal statue, stylized, engraved on massive feet, is engraved with alternating parallel grooves representing the Keloid scars, also associated with the status of the character, a worthy old man having been a victim of witchcraft, ngu. The exorbiting pupils, protruding in the center of large orbits, give it a hallucinated look. White clay was rubbed into the hollow of the furrows, indigo pigments on the reverse, giving a clear patina, grayed, to the sculpture. Lacks and abrasions, long cracks of dessication, patina of velvety use. Kakungu cult statue belonging to the Metoko and Lengola, peoples of the primary forest dedicated to the worship of a single God, rare monotheism in Africa. Their three-grade society, Bukota, was structuring daily life and welcoming both men and women. It ...

The African art of the forest tribes.
Orta's introductory form, probably a variant of the effigy 'kakungu', this rare statuette spotted without arms offers a discreetly ringed leather-draped bust. Oiled dark patina, residual inlays of white pigments on the face. This cult male effigy comes from the Metoko and Lengola, located in the center of the Congolese basin between the Lomami and Lualaba rivers, peoples of the primary forest dedicated to the worship of a unique God, a monotheism rare in Africa. Their company, Bukota, welcoming both men and women, is the equivalent of the association Bwami Lega. Their sculptures, influenced by the neighbouring Mbole, Lega and Binja, played a role in initiation, funeral or circumcision ceremonies, and were then placed on the tomb of high-ranking ...