Very old tribal statue, YAKA, ZOMBO, NKANU, DR Congo, 1850-1900

Very special and rare ... an ancient pre-contact devotional statue of the YAKA/ZOMBO/NKANU tribe. Style characteristics are visible from all three tribes, which means that the image is interpreted in this way. This statue dates from before the contact between these peoples and whites. Anyway, to be placed in the period 1850-1900, but probably even further back in time. A C14 test is expensive and would not bring absolute clarity. That's why I stick to this safe estimate. A striking statue, primitive but with a lot of charisma! In addition to the somewhat greasy dark-colored patina, the red-brown tukula powder with which the image has been rubbed is visible all over the image. Two shrinkage cracks are visible. See the photos for the condition which is surprisingly good for an object of this age!

Length: 25.5 cm, (included foot may differ slightly in shape from that in the photo, including foot about 27.5 cm)
Weight: 298 grams
Origin: DR Congo
Date: 1850-1900 or older
Provenance: ex collection Alvara Escudero, Madrid