KUBA, Democratic Republic of the Congo - Lot 128

KUBA, Democratic Republic of the Congo Statue of a king seated cross-legged on a cubic pedestal, embellished with a bird carved in projection. He is richly dressed, wearing a necklace with a large amulet. His face presents a beautiful, hieratic expression, topped by a tray-shaped headdress. This type of sculpture commemorated a king who left his mark on the history of the Kuba kingdom. Royal figures were kept in various villages as objects of veneration or dynastic memorabilia. Some statues were contemporary with the reign, while others were carved later, to perpetuate the sovereign's symbolic presence among the people. (Presumed period: early XXᵉ century) Hardwood, old honey patina. Height Height : 46 cm Some breaks, one arm missing, front part of the headdress broken.