Bidspirit auction | Efomba Reliquary Figure, Ngata People,

Efomba Reliquary Figure, Ngata People, Congo/Zaire - African Tribal Art: Efomba Reliquary Figure, Ngata People, Congo/Zaire, Early/Mid Twentieth Century. Carved wood, pigments, hair, metal, fiber, beads. Referred to as Bonganga or Efomba, this form of sculpture was commissioned by a person of high rank during his lifetime. It features a hollow back which was intended to act as a sarcophagus, but not for the bones of the deceased, but for an effigy skeleton. The figure is decorated with polychromatic geometric patterns and decorative metal studding. Its head is covered with a thick matting of human hair crested with natural fiber braids , and two strands of bead-decorated fiber at the chin indicate a stylized beard. The box-like hollowed back is lined with metal sheeting. DIMENSIONS: 64.5”H x 13”W x 12.5”D PROVENANCE: Private collection. CONDITION: Good condition with evidence of handling and age. ***VIDEO: To see a 3D video of this item, copy and paste the link below into your search browser: https://youtu.be/1Yk1NvzVhdE NOTE: This lot may be subject to a confidential reserve sale price.