BWENDE, Republic of Congo. - Lot 156

BWENDE, Republic of Congo. Statue presented on a faceted pedestal, the body wrapped in cloth, one hand placed on the chin in a symbolic gesture. The eyes are highlighted by red porcelain inlays. Hardwood, fabric, glass beads, porcelain, iron, old patinas and marks of use Height 33 cm Width: 10.5 cm Depth: 8.5 cm Provenance: former collection of Alfons A. Bermel, Obersteinbach / Berlin Note : This bwende figure combines a slender bust with textile wrapping, evoking a link between ritual secrecy and symbolic revelation. Its complete wrapping is in line with the plastic preoccupations of contemporary artists such as Christo, where wrapping becomes a sculptural act in its own right, revealing the intensity of the form through the veil.