H x W x D: 39.5 x 27 x 12cm (15 9/16 x 10 5/8 x 4 3/4 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Mayanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Late 19th-early 20th century
Label Text:
This sculpture has many of the attributes associated with Kongo figures - the kneeling pose in a gesture of respect, the keloids on the upper chest and the breast band, and the glass inlaid eyes that offer a window into the spirit world. It was collected circa 1914 by Harry A. McBride when he was counsul in what was then the Belgian Congo. Originally catalogued as a figure, it has since been identified as a figural fly whisk from Mayanga, near Kinshasa.
Description:
Wood fly whisk in the form of a kneeling female figure on a square base, with open cylinder on head from which projects a tuft of hair (likely animal).The arms rest on the thights, and the body bears raised keloid scarification and a chest cord above the breasts. Glass bead necklace and metal earring adorn the neck and ear. However, only one earring is still present and damage to the ear betrays the possible existence of a second earring. Eyes have inset glass.
Provenance:
Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. McBride, Washington, D.C., acquired in the Belgian Congo, ca. 1914 to 1965
Exhibition History:
Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 4, 2017-ongoing
Published References:
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Art Gallery. 1970. African Art. Amherst: University of Massachusetts, p. 40, no. 94.
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
