Tabwa Figure Congo
Width: 4.0
Depth: 4.0
Description
This work belongs to a Tabwa group, a regional subset of the Tabwa peoples living in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo near Lake Tanganyika, with related communities in Zambia and Tanzania. This group’s location within the tropical forest–savanna belt shaped its social and artistic traditions.
Art from this group is known for finely carved wooden figures and ritual objects characterized by linear abstraction and geometric precision, with traditions dating back to at least the 17th century. Figural sculptures often represent ancestors believed to provide protection and assistance in daily life and hunting.
Today, art from this Tabwa group is recognized as a distinct regional tradition within the broader Tabwa cultural sphere and is highly valued by scholars, museums, and collectors.
Height (In) 12.0
Width (In) 4.0
Depth (In) 4.0
153011
Approximate Age: Mid 20th Century
People: Tabwa
Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.
