Dimensions and Weight:

Weight: 0.342 kg / with base: 0.600 kg

Height: 23.5 cm / with base: 28 cm

Width: 7.5 cm / with base: 11 cm

Tabwa Statuettes

Tabwa statuettes are art and ritual objects from the Tabwa ethnic group, originating from the region around Lake Tanganyika, primarily in the present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as Belgian Congo.

Characteristics of Tabwa Statuettes:

Materials and Craftsmanship:

The statuettes are typically carved from wood, sometimes enhanced with metal details, such as copper or brass. The wood used is often carefully selected for its durability and beauty.

Aesthetics and Style:

Tabwa sculptures are recognized for their stylized and often geometric shapes. Human figures may have elongated proportions and expressive faces, with pronounced body scarifications, reflecting cultural practices of beauty and identity. This typical Tabwa statuette features scarification details, a standing posture, and an object held that could indicate a specific function or role in local rituals or traditions.

Symbolism and Use:

The statuettes may represent ancestors, spirits, or mythological figures. They play a role in rituals of protection, healing, and divination. The Tabwa believe that these figures can serve as mediators between the world of the living and that of the spirits.

Postures and Gestures:

The statuette you provided shows a standing figure holding an object, likely a staff or scepter. This posture may symbolize authority, wisdom, or spiritual connection. The gestures and position of the hands are often significant and can vary depending on the ritual context.

Scarifications:

Tabwa figures are often adorned with patterns of body scarification, which are marks of social status, beauty, and ethnic identity. These patterns are meticulously carved into the wood and are a distinctive feature of Tabwa art.

Role in Society:

In addition to their ritual role, Tabwa sculptures can also serve as witnesses to the history and traditions of the community. They are passed down from generation to generation, preserving the stories and beliefs of the ancestors.

Cultural Importance:

Tabwa statuettes are valuable testimonies of the art and spiritual beliefs of the Tabwa ethnic group. They illustrate the complexity and cultural richness of this community while providing insight into how the Tabwa perceive the world and interact with the sacred.

These objects are not only works of art but also essential elements of Tabwa cultural heritage.

 

Provenance

Private collection ZAMBELLI/BRUGNACCHI, assembled between 1990 and 2023.

Transferred to the Spirit Land of Africa Gallery in 2023.

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