Bembe Standing Janus Figure on Custom Stand Congo

Bembe African art refers to the art produced by the Bembe people, an ethnic group located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Burundi. The Bembe have a rich artistic tradition that includes sculpture, mask-making, and other forms of visual art.

The Bembe form a small ethnic group of 60 to 80,000 people who originate from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Burundi; they live on the plateaus situated to the north of the Zaire River, as well as on the shores of Stanley Pool. Their social organization is based on a matrimonial clan, whose members could live in several villages. The family unit generally included three generations. The chief in charge of the village, the nga-bula, mediated with the ancestors.

One of the most striking aspects of Bembe art is its emphasis on the human form. Bembe sculptures often depict human figures with exaggerated features, such as elongated limbs and distorted faces. These figures are typically carved from wood and decorated with intricate patterns and designs.

Bembe mask-making is also an important aspect of their artistic tradition. Bembe masks are often used in ceremonial contexts, such as funerals, initiation rites, and other important cultural events. These masks are typically made from wood and decorated with beads, shells, and other materials. They often feature intricate designs and patterns, and may also include representations of animals or other figures.

Overall, Bembe African art reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Bembe people. It is an important part of their identity and has been passed down through generations as a way of preserving their traditions and beliefs.

From the Collection of Robert Pearson, Denver, Colorado

Bob Pearson began collecting African art later in his life. He was an engineer, inveterate climber, and long-time collector of books and paintings. Spurred by the Douglas Society at the Denver Museum of Art, and his friendship with noted collector George Heggarty, he began building an enormous, eclectic collection. His African art library grew to several hundred books. He loved textiles and cultural materials that had domestic use, like spoons, cups, stools, and chairs, as well as masks and carvings. His collection included items from more than thirty African countries, and his fine eye gave him pieces ranging from a gold dust scale to huge Dogon figural ladders. Africa Direct is honored to have been chosen to sell them.