Very old kabedja, HEMBA/ZELA, DR Congo, 1880-1890

TOP!! Very old kabedya; protection image and healing statue of the Hemba/Zela. Statue from the Luba spectrum from the southern region. A rare statue in this size and of this age. A statue with a strong presence and a beautiful appearance.
The face attracts all the attention, is beautifully carved with holes as ears were usually elephant hairs were put in. The statue was then blessed by a nganga, a kind of shaman with which it was loaded and working. With the arms straight along the body, bent at 90 degrees and the hands near the navel, it also has a devout appearance.
Good condition and appropriate traces of age and use.

(The price in a gallery is at least double my price!)

Length: 28 cm
Weight: 752 grams
Origin: DR Congo
Dating: 1880-1890
Provenance: ex Mr van Clee, Riemst, Belgium