Click Here for New Arrivals! African statue: The river Congo area in Zaire is one of the African continents’ richest resources for art. Here the diversity of the people is evidenced artistically through a myriad of styling techniques, displayed in a gamut of mediums. The Kuba tribe, famous for the creation of masks, stools, textiles and sculpture are again recognized for their Ndop; a series of royal statues. When a king was on his death bed, his Ndop was placed beside him ready to receive his spirit. After his passing, during the initiation of the new king, the same statue would be placed beside the new king so he could receive the spirit of the former ruler. The Kuba believed that the old king and his predecessors would be reborn through the present day king. The tradition of Ndop statuary began during the 17th century by king Shamba Bolongongo, a Kuba hero. There are records of 124 Kuba kings but only 19 have survived. Each king is carved in a seated position with legs crossed upon a cuboid platform, decorated with an interlocking motif known as “maam” or creeper vine. The Ndop kings are portrayed as being full bellied and robust with the arms tightly positioned against the sides. These royal figures evoke feelings of calm, composure and dignity. The head is always proportionately larger than the rest of the body, signifying the head being the center of life; a philosophy popular in many African cultures. The ever present visored headdress decorated with cowry shells and pearls, represents the royal “Shody” hat. The careful deliberate shaping of the hairline replicates the pattern worn by Kuba royalty on special occasions. The functional yet decorative cloth plaque that covers the kings buttock and the detailed circular neck ring featuring and known as “hippopotamus teeth” are two other distinctive Ndop elements that are found on all Ndop statues. Each king is glorified by an object placed either in his hand, by his side or in front of his platform that symbolizes a significant deed of his reign. Crafted from the traditionally mandated red toned wood the entire figure is crafted extremely well. Please click photo for enlargement! See another photo below. Sold. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message!
Dimensions: 18 inches tall x 5 1/4 inches across from widest point x 4 3/4 inches deep. Wt: 12 lbs. **For a complete inventory listing please go to the 'Index' section on the Navigation Bar to your right** |
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| The top features the Kuba trademark design; the same design pattern that is found on most of their traditional textile workings. Please click photo for enlargement! |
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