The Mangbetu have become famous for the refined representations of human figures that decorate pipes, jars, musical instruments, and occasionally were carved as full figures. All of these objects date from the period following the arrival of...
The Mangbetu have become famous for the refined representations of human figures that decorate pipes, jars, musical instruments, and occasionally were carved as full figures. All of these objects date from the period following the arrival of...
Most of the matrilineal peoples of eastern Tanzania produce small, stylized figures like these to be used by female initiates during the period of seclusion that accompanies puberty and the ceremonies associated with rejoining the community. The...
The reports of Günter Tessmann in the early 20th century described Fang reliquaries guarded by large heads, and Tessmann suggested that the use of heads as reliquary guardians antedated the use of busts and full figures. As is the case with...