GREAT! Very old HEMBA KABWELULU, DR Congo, 1920-40

Ancient HEMBA KABWELULU (or Kabwe Lugullu) figure in a gourd. A fetish protection figure for many purposes. According to tradition, a nganga (kind of shaman) will have placed earth from the grave of the ancestors in the gourd. Above the gourd we see lizard skin. Also hanging, is a stuffed and blessed African land snail (achatina fulica), a hyena tooth, a piece of carrot finely cut so that it appears as a small statue and a piece of a jungle nut with two animal hairs, probably a porcupine. The figure is beautifully carved and has a strong serene expression. Remnants of palm oil libations are clearly visible, forming the black, sweaty color. The gourd has small cracks but is very stable and in original condition. The Hemba must be dated between 1920 and 1940. Origin: ex Bertho Pauly, Alken, Belgium (ex colonial family) Height of the objects is 21 cm