A wooden yaka sculpture, democratic republic of the congo, late 19th/ early 20thc (+) height: 55 cm. (21.64 in.), incl. stand: 63 cm. (24.80 in.)

A wooden Yaka sculpture, Democratic Republic of the Congo, late 19th/ early 20thC (+) On a modern base. Traditionally, it was the various additions to the sculpted figure that determined the ritual function the object was to fulfill. Here, a tiny rectangular opening has been made in the statue's abdomen. Secured with four brass nails, it is paradoxically this small receptacle, serving as a container for the magical charge, that gives the object all its strength and power. Provenance: Ex-Collection Julius Konietzko (1886-1952) Purchased by the present owner at Didier Claes - Brussels (+) incl. a certificate by Didier Claes Liveveiling: het getoonde tijdstip is de start van de zaalverkoop; het individuele afhamermoment is niet gepubliceerd.