Ngbaka (Bouaka, Bwaka, Gbaka, Mbaka), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Ceremonial female figurine. The Ngbaka numbering 400,000 inhabit the swampy area of the outer bend of the Congo River, in northwest DRC. They practice slash-and-burn agriculture, hunting and fishing. Their settlements are dispersed and lack an overall political organization; a hamlet would generally be made up of an extended family or patrilineal clan. They believed in a god, Gale, creator of the first ancestor, Setu, and his sister, Nabo, and they worshipped the spirits of nature. The Ngbaka had a special system of initiation, gaza: “that which gives strength.” Future initiates had to undergo trials of physical endurance and would attain a first level of knowledge by means of song and corporeal techniques, particularly choreographic turns. Apparently this figurine was used by the bendo (diviner) in magical ceremonies connected to the initiation.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 11 ½”, W. 3 ½”, D. 3 ½”

Price: $180 + $25 (S&H)        [#G6N9S395]