Dengese (Bonkese, Dekese, Ndengese, Ndenkese), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Queen figure. North of the Kuba kingdom, across the Sancuru River the 12,000 Dengese people claim to be the indigenous population of the area. Their king reigns over local chiefs who are assisted by noble men. Powerful groups such as blacksmith, hunting and witchcraft societies counterbalance the political power of the chiefs. The Dengese do not use or make masks, but they have produced great statues that became part of many museum collections. Their beautiful figures are differentiated from Kuba style by extensive scarifications and geometric body design. The Dengese artists carved the legless male and female figures which were believed to embody their power. The presence of metal (copper) in this figure indicates its continuity of value to its original clientele.

Material:  wood, cupper, cupper wire

Size:  H. 15 ½”, W. 3”, D. 2 ½”

Price:  $ 150 + $19 (S&H)              [#E8D9S146]