500 Gallery
Live Auction

Fall Discovery Sale

Wed, Nov 15, 2023 05:30PM EST
Lot 145

Efomba Reliquary Figure, Ngata People, Congo/Zaire

Estimate: $2,500 - $3,500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$20,000 $1,000
$50,000 $2,500
$100,000 $500,000
African Tribal Art: Efomba Reliquary Figure, Ngata People, Congo/Zaire, Early/Mid Twentieth Century. Carved wood, pigments, hair, metal, fiber, beads.

Referred to as Bonganga or Efomba, this form of sculpture was commissioned by a person of high rank during his lifetime. It features a hollow back which was intended to act as a sarcophagus, but not for the bones of the deceased, but for an effigy skeleton.

The figure is decorated with polychromatic geometric patterns and decorative metal studding. Its head is covered with a thick matting of human hair crested with natural fiber braids, and two strands of bead-decorated fiber at the chin indicate a stylized beard. The box-like hollowed back is lined with metal sheeting.

64.5H x 13W x 12.5D (inches).

Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private Collection, New York

Condition

Good condition with evidence of handling and age.

NOTE: If documentation is not listed, the lot is sold without documents.

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