Materials and Craftsmanship:

Yombé statuettes are typically carved from wood and may be adorned with pigments, shells, or inlays of metal or glass for the eyes and the abdominal chest area. These materials contribute distinct visual elements and can enhance their ritual significance.

Aesthetic and Style:

Yombé sculptures are often realistic, featuring detailed facial expressions and meaningful postures. They may depict human figures with exaggerated traits to emphasize specific spiritual or social characteristics.

Symbolism and Use:

These sculptures can represent ancestors, protective spirits, or mythological figures. They are employed in various ritual contexts, including for protection, healing, and rites of passage. The posture and the objects held by the figure may symbolize specific roles or powers.

Postures and Gestures:

The statuette depicts a standing figure holding an object in front of itself. This posture may indicate a ritual action or symbolize offering or protection. The eyes, often inlaid with metal, glass, white paint, or shells, give the figure a vivid and powerful appearance, highlighting its spiritual importance.

Contexts of Use:

In Yombé spiritual practices, statuettes may be placed on family or community altars. They serve as mediators between the living and the spirits and can be invoked for various blessings or forms of protection.

Cultural Importance:

Yombé statuettes hold significant cultural and spiritual importance. They embody the beliefs and traditions of the Yombé people and play a central role in their ritual practices and daily life. These objects are often passed down through generations, preserving the spiritual and artistic heritage of the community.



This Yombé statuette, with its expressive details and important symbolic elements, testifies to the rich artistic and spiritual tradition of the Yombé and reflects their deep connection to the spiritual world.

 

Provenance

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

Transferred to the Spirit Land of Africa Gallery in 2023.

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