Artwork Page for Male Figure

Details / Information for Male Figure

Male Figure

late 1800s-early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Republic of the Congo or Democratic Republic of the Congo, Teke-style maker

Medium
Wood, cloth, organic material, and copper alloy
Measurements
Overall: 23.5 x 7.5 x 8 cm (9 1/4 x 2 15/16 x 3 1/8 in.); without base: 23.3 cm (9 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.431
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

This figure was the Delennes' first African art acquisition; it symbolized Rene and Odette’s first meeting.

Description

This figure was the Delennes' first African art acquisition. They purchased the work in Paris in 1958—the year they were married—from the then leading French dealer Henri Kamer. The couple's interest in African art, which also inspired this particular acquisition, was triggered by their visit to the Congolese pavilion at the Brussels world's fair that same year. This experience made a lasting impression and triggered a lifelong appreciation for the art of what was then still the Belgian Congo. Although Odette later admitted that she knew that this figure was not the best example of Teke art, she and her husband held on to it because it served as a personal souvenir of their meeting each other.
A dark-brown wood sculpture depicts a standing figure wearing a textured, muted green fabric tunic. They have a tall, pointed crown and incised patterns on their forehead and cheeks, with a carved band around the jaw. Short wooden legs emerge from the garment, with a metal ring around each ankle. The figure stands on blocky feet that point forward.

Male Figure

late 1800s-early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Republic of the Congo or Democratic Republic of the Congo, Teke-style maker

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