Bankishi Statuette - Luba - Drc - Early 20th Century - Primitive / Tribal / African Art

Bankishi bust depicting a male figure with elongated arms, detached from the body, and hands symbolically placed on the lower abdomen. The fingers are carefully drawn. The torso is rounded. The youthful face, inscribed in a heart-shaped space, displays a soft and internalized expression. The head is carefully shaved, accentuating the purity of the lines. Wood, old honey and brown patina, small old chip on the nose, mark of use. Luba, Democratic Republic of Congo, early 20th century Dimensions: 9 x 3.2 cm – With base: 11.6 cm Provenance: former collection in the north of France Sold with certificate of authenticity from the expert Serge Reynes, guarantee of origin and period. * Shipping costs on request. "Used in divinatory or personal protection practices, Bankishi statuettes were part of the ritual universe of Luba diviners. This male bust, with hands placed on the lower abdomen, evokes a function of defense against harmful influences or internal imbalances. With its compact form and expressive details, it is part of the personal power objects associated with beneficial forces."