Zaire BaKongo Female with Child

Wonderful old wood carved figure approx. 13.3 inches tall
This wonderful old wood carved figure is from Zaire (now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo), made by the BaKongo people. It is approximately 13.3 inches tall, and the base measures 3 x 3.5 inches. The eyes are inset and covered with clear glass. Details of the carvings can be seen in the pictures below. Note the carved lizard on the back of the head, the details of the scarification on the face and chest, the details of the child.

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 3 inches long and runs from between the breasts on the front down toward the child. It does not go through the wood and is from local shrinkage.