Ubanga Nyama/Butoka from LENGOLA, DR Congo, ca 1960

Ubanga Nyama/Butoka is the name of this striking and large!! statue of the Lengola. Statues like these were placed on the grave of a certain chief of staff during rituals associated with initiation, circumcision and funerals. Short spells were then said. The statue was then placed back in a consecrated coffin. That is why you hardly see any patina or traces of use in these statues. The Lengola live in the Central Congolese Basin and are neighbors of the Metoko. The body has the legs, arms and neck with the head placed in it. The dots symbolize the connection with the spiritual world. The statue is placed on a base so that it can stand independently.

Length: approx. 94 cm!!
Weight: 1547 grams
Origin: DR Congo.
Date: ca 1960