Tabwa Standing Scarified Male Figure Congo

Tabwa art is a form of traditional African art that is native to the Tabwa people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania. The Tabwa people are known for their intricate and finely detailed wooden carvings, masks, and sculptures, which are often characterized by their abstract and geometric designs.

Tabwa art has been created for centuries, and its origins can be traced back to the 17th century when the Tabwa people first began to settle in the southeastern region of the Congo. The art was traditionally created by skilled craftsmen who were trained in the techniques of carving and sculpture, and who passed their knowledge down through the generations.

Tabwa figural sculptures represent ancestors who were to assist in daily activities and during the hunt. Tabwa art is both a symbol and an esthetic statement as the figures are often elaborately scarified in a fashion known among them until the middle of the twentieth century.

The distinctive facial scarification consisting of a number of lines along the sides of the face and along the forehead and abdomen were the means whereby Tabwa identified themselves to localities and social status. They are also a high form of body art or ornamentation. Elaborate and attractive patterns and designs were worked into the skin according to the Tabwa concept of kulemba reflect aesthetics, social membership and the abstract idea of order upon the chaos of nature. It demonstrates that a person becomes a complete adult when they are properly inscribed with the appropriate scars.

These patterns and designs are collectively known as vindala and will represent one's advancement through life and within Tabwa society. Distinctive hairstyles among Tabwa men reflect status or membership in a hunter's cult known as buyange, which required great efforts to braid, tie and decorate.

Today, Tabwa art remains an important part of African cultural heritage and is highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world. Its intricate designs and symbolic meanings continue to inspire and captivate audiences and serve as a testament to the rich and diverse cultural traditions of the Tabwa people.

138979

Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Tabwa
Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Material: wood

Damage/Repair: Damage at base, crack through head
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.