H x W x D: 17.5 x 4.4 x 3.5 cm (6 7/8 x 1 3/4 x 1 3/8 in.)
Type:
Figure
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
The Yaka, like many of the neigboring peoples, create carved figures that serve a therapeutic ritual function. Such figures are owned and manipulated by a ritual specialist, or nganga, who treats patients suffering the ill will of an offended spirit. Originally this figure was probably intended to carry many powerful substances and pigments. The carved form of this figure, which only bears seed pod rattles, is not hidden by accumulated materials.
Description:
Wood standing male figure with upturned nose, raised pattern on spine, spherical seeds strung two on necklace and one on proper left arm and a string only on the proper right arm. A cowrie shell is attached with resin on top of the head. Figure has overall traces of red pigment.
Provenance:
Eliot Elisofon, New York, before 1958 to 1973
Published References:
Elisofon, Eliot. 1958. The Sculpture of Africa. New York: Praeger, p. 197, no. 250.
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
