Metoko Statue (mituku), Democratic Republic Of The Congo

Statue presenting a standing male figure. The arms are along the body and follow the same angle as the torso. The very stylized face is heart-shaped. A salient vertical line separates this "heart" and suggests the nose. The head is surmounted by a bun pierced with small holes where feathers should have been inserted. The ankles are surrounded by iron wires thus forming bracelets. The wood is coated with red pigment giving it this ochre-orange color. Rare representation and style for this statue used during initiation rites. We can note a stylistic influence of Lengola and Mbole.
Wood, pigments, iron. Small gaps and slits at the back.
Metoko or Mituku people, Ubundu territory, Democratic Republic of Congo.
H: 40 cm
Mid 20th century
Provenance: Ex-Belgian collection