Tabwa Female Figure Miniature 11 Inch Congo
Width: 3.0
Depth: 3.0
Description
This is an exquisite early figure, from a private collector who wishes to be anonymous.
Tabwa art, native to the Tabwa people across Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania, is famed for its intricately detailed wooden carvings, masks, and sculptures, marked by abstract geometric designs. Its roots trace back to the 17th century when skilled craftsmen began settling in the southeastern Congo, passing down carving techniques through generations. Tabwa sculptures symbolize assisting ancestors in daily life and hunting, bearing elaborate scarification, formerly serving as identifiers of locality and social status and later as body art, denoting adulthood and social belonging. These markings, called vindala, reflect life stages and societal progression. Unique hairstyles among Tabwa men signify membership in the buyange hunter's cult. Today, Tabwa art remains a cherished aspect of African heritage, captivating collectors and art enthusiasts globally, showcasing intricate designs and symbolic depth that honor the Tabwa people's rich cultural traditions.
140057
Approximate Age: Early to 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.