Statue, Luntu People, Drc

Statue depicting a male figure seated on a stool. His legs are bent, and his elbows rest on his knees. His hands are placed against his face just below his temples in a thoughtful pose. The finely rendered face is characterized by a high forehead, deep-set eye sockets, a narrow, straight nose, and a discreet, slightly protruding mouth. The overall expression is meditative and introspective. The sculptor has treated the back in a particularly interesting way. An incised groove structures a composition complemented by angular shoulder blades and taut modeling. A nail has been driven and bent between the legs.
This type of statue symbolizes wisdom, self-control, and moral authority.
Luntu people, DRC.
Wood with patina from use, local restoration to the arms and legs, cracks, nail.
Height: 27 cm.
Mid-20th century.
Provenance: ex private collection, Belgium.
Collected in situ by Charles Hénault (1927-2012).