Worship statue, KASI KASONGO, DR Congo, 1960-70

Stylistically beautiful worship image of the Kasi Kasongo, a subgroup of the Kusu. The statue has a charge cavity on top. Elephant hairs were usually stuffed into the two holes on the side. A statue like this was placed on a home altar and served as a tribute to the ancestors but also to communicate with them. This was often to ask for advice. The shape is very striking; prominent face, elongated and tapering with a beard. The arms are slender and lie at a 90 degree angle against the body. A lower body is missing. See the photos!

Length: 19 cm, including foot 21 cm
Weight: 514 grams
Origin: DR Congo
Dating: 1960-70
Provenance: Obtained from a Flemish private collection