Statuette of Kuyu style - Lot 273

Statuette of Kuyu style Democratic Republic of Congo Wood H : 18 cm A totemic animal is placed on the head of this Kuyu female statuette, because "the presence of animals on crests, heads, busts and statues is in no way anecdotal among the Kuyu. It reminds us not only of a group membership, but also of a link with the origins, beyond the ancestors. The ideal of Kouyou beauty is found in the face of the statue with its fleshy mouth, half-closed eyes and short nose. closed eyes and a short nose. Added to this is the fundamental importance of the body signs arranged by the hand of man - scarification, ornaments and head adornment. The arms are glued along the body, the hands brought under the chest. She wears a short skirt on her hips, revealing the bottom of her buttocks.