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Zaire Bena Lulua Double Female Figure

Manufacturer: N/A

SKU: A-WC-F-5

Price: $200.00
This item is out of stock

This unusual old wood carved figure is from Zaire (now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo), made by the Bena Lulua people. It is approximately 21 inches tall, and maximum width about 6 inches across the shoulder. The eyes are inset cowry shells, and the teeth and toenails also seem to be shell. Details of the carving can be seen in the pictures below. Note the details of the scarification on the face and chest, the two heads on one female body.

I would guess this carving dates from before 1950, and has a very nice used patina. There are the normal signs of usage, with light rubbing and some soil in the grooves. I have done nothing to clean or polish this carving, since I realize collectors often want objects in "as found" condition. See the photos below for more details. There is a small crack in the front of the figure, which is about 1 inch long in the chest. It does not go through the wood and is from local shrinkage.

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