Artwork Page for Male Figure

Details / Information for Male Figure

Male Figure

late 1800s-early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Republic of the Congo, Beembe-style maker

Medium
Wood, ceramic or Formica, copper alloy, and iron alloy
Measurements
Overall: 47.5 x 14.8 x 16.3 cm (18 11/16 x 5 13/16 x 6 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.428
Public Domain
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Location
108A African
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Did You Know?

This figure is considered “monumental” as most other types of Beembe figures measure about 15 centimeters tall.

Description

This sculpture played a role in ancestral worship among the Beembe people. Ancestors are held in high regard among the Beembe, and this figure is thought to represent an idealized form of a deceased individual within the ethnic group. The object is one of only two seated male Beembe figures of this size in Western institutions.
A stylized dark brown wood sculpture features red undertones of a figure of a man with an elongated torso and arms resting on disproportionately short, crossed legs. A band wraps around his head with a rectangle beard hanging down at the chin. The man's lips are pressed together and eyes entirely white with a black dot in the center of each. Chunks of wood are missing from the lower half, revealing paler brown flecks.

Male Figure

late 1800s-early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Republic of the Congo, Beembe-style maker

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