{"product_id":"ndengese-wooden-figure-on-custom-base-congo-153293","title":"Ndengese Wooden Figure on Custom Base Congo","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"526\"\u003eThis powerful sculptural figure originates from the \u003cstrong data-start=\"225\" data-end=\"266\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eNdengese people\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"274\" data-end=\"315\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eDemocratic Republic of the Congo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. The standing figure is portrayed with hands positioned prominently at the abdomen near the navel, a gesture closely associated with lineage, continuity, and ancestral authority within Ndengese visual language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"528\" data-end=\"1003\"\u003eThe posture is dignified and frontal, projecting stability and command. The elongated head, high crest hairstyle, and composed facial expression emphasize authority and presence. Carefully incised scarification across the torso reflects traditional body markings historically associated with prestige and rank. The pronounced genital carving underscores themes of fertility, descent, and dynastic continuity, elements central to Ndengese concepts of kingship and inheritance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1345\"\u003eThe surface displays a darkened patina with areas of wear that highlight the sculpted forms, enhancing the musculature of the arms, legs, and torso. The ringed neck and ornamental details further reinforce the figure’s status-oriented identity. Mounted on a custom base for stability, the sculpture maintains a commanding vertical presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1347\" data-end=\"1681\"\u003eAmong the Ndengese, who share cultural and artistic affinities with neighboring Kuba and Mongo groups, such figures are associated with leadership, royal authority, and commemorative functions. Sculptural representations embodied spiritual and political power and were connected to succession traditions and the transfer of authority.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrack on right side of figure from head to upper thigh.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Polaris-Box\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_ActivatorWrapper_1q6fc_73\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"PRODUCT.metafields.custom.height_in_-anchor\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Edit Height (In) metafield\" class=\"_ActivatorButton_1q6fc_77\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_RowWrapper_1q6fc_4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_FormFieldLabel_1q6fc_30\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"Polaris-Text--root Polaris-Text--bodyMd\"\u003eHeight (In) 16.0\u003cbr\u003eWidth (In) 4.5\u003cbr\u003eDepth (In) 4.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e153293\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sku 153000","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51066345586983,"sku":"153293","price":290.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0826\/1015\/9911\/files\/IMG_3112.jpg?v=1772033925","url":"https:\/\/africadirect.com\/products\/ndengese-wooden-figure-on-custom-base-congo-153293","provider":"Africa Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}