Vintage BOYO Buyu Female Ancestor Wood Figure Congo African 28 Inches Tall

Description: 28 Inches Tall Mid-Century BOYO Buyu Female Ancestor Wood Figure Congo African 28 Inches Tall Mid-Century BOYO Buyu Female Commemorative Ancestor Wood Figure Congo African This is a large Boyo Female Commemorative Ancestor Wood Figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, most likely Mid-Century, but may be older. I have a feeling that this sculpture previously had a darker patina and palm oil libation, but it may have been removed during a prior restoration. It is possible that this is older than mid-century, as it appears to have remnants of libation liquid in certain crevices.Figure comes with black painted metal stand and beaded necklace. Please see photos Boyo communities within the Democratic Republic of Congo are renowned for their series of majestic royal ancestral representations. It is a classic example of Boyo commemorative representations in which distinguished leaders are depicted simultaneously as serenely introspective and as an awesome, otherworldly physical presence. The prominence of the large and bulging closed eyes refers to the subject’s status as a being endowed with a heightened sense of the spiritual realm. The massive spheres of the head and abdomen are kept in balance by the still tension of the arms and shoulders, which create an overall rectilinear contour to the figure. The surface of the figure is decorated with the incised patterns and ridges of the coiffure, beard, eyebrows, and bracelets. In addition, a dense inscribed motif of bold concentric circles covers the chest and extends across the shoulders to the length of the back. Works such as this were once combined in ancestral ensembles comprising four to seven figures wrapped in textiles fastened around their shoulders and lower body. Individual sculptures were named after the particular ancestors they evoked. It seems that the largest and most impressive of the works in a particular group was invariably also the oldest, depicting a founding ancestor. Stylistic features such as coiffure and posture further differentiated both sculptures and sculptors. Unlike portraiture, which seeks a certain specificity, this tradition of commemorative representation recasts contemporary leaders in the highly idealized, abstract idiom of their forebears. By preserving and perpetuating an artistic approach associated with the origins of the community, contemporary generations built a powerful bridge to the past. Boyo communities are a complex blend of regional peoples and cultural identities. The extensive cultural interaction that underlies their heritage has led to some dispute regarding the definition and place of Boyo sculptural traditions within the broader context of the region's art history. Because parallels can be drawn with artwork from the nearby Tumbwe, Tabwa, and Hemba peoples, some scholars theorize that Boyo sculptures served an important role as the basis for related sculptural traditions in the region. Source: Addended and Edited from Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY page, 2024. Condition: Good condition, Aged patina, cracks, scuffs, old repairs. I have the impression that it has been overly cleaned. Please see photos Measurements: 28 x 12 x 12 inches Weight: 29 lbs PRICE: $495.00 Shipping: $85.99 USPS Ground Shipping Cost in the US . Ebay International Shipping or contact seller for additional international shipping rates. I can ship more than one item together and give you better rates, just contact me and I will respond. I usually answer questions very quickly (depending on time difference) Customs duty, VAT, or import duty is the responsibility of the buyer. All items for sale are vintage or antique and it may show evidence of wear. Please see condition report and photos. I try to describe the items to the best of my ability. Please review the information, photos and/ or ask questions before bidding. All listings are described as to the best of my knowledge, through careful research and price and description comparison. 30 day returns, buyer pays return shipping. Payment Terms: Payments are due within 48 hours of the end of the auction or listing. Shipping: $85.99 USPS Ground Shipping Cost in the US . in the US. Shipment will be sent with tracking and careful, sturdy packing, recycled, when possible. We will ship your item as soon as possible. Shipping usually takes no more than two business days. If you have any questions please contact us before bidding. For international shipping, we use Ebay International shipping. If you need this shipped with particular requests, please contact me for international shipping rates before purchasing. We welcome all reasonable offers! We appreciate your business! Please check out my other items. Thank you for looking and good luck!

Price: 445.5 USD

Location: Los Angeles, California

End Time: 2024-12-21T10:55:08.000Z

Shipping Cost: 85.99 USD