Dengese Ancestor AAA1140 sculpture

This ancestral Dengese statue, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a fine example of African art and culture. It dates from the middle of the 20th century and measures 15x14.5x43 cm. The statue is carved from natural wood and represents a king. The face is oval and harmonious, with big expressive eyes and a smiling mouth. The teeth are sharp. The body of the statue is decorated with abundant and elaborate scarifications. These scarifications have a ritual meaning and are a kind of sign language.