Mbala Female Figure - Pindi
 
Country: DR Congo.
Culture: Mbala.
Date: end 19th or early 20th century.
Medium: wood, kaolin, red pigment 'tukula'.
Size: h. 57 cm (22½ in.).
Reference: MBAIV11/1.
Provenance:
ex Pierre Loos, Brussels.
ex H. Kellim Brown, Ormond Beach, FL (USA).
ex Jo de Buck, Brussels.
Extra: An unique female figure of the Mbala, called Pindi, which is exceptional in size and expression. Characteristic is the highly pronounced and typical Mbala crested coif and the famous red pigment, called tukula, from which their name, 'the red people', originates. The pigment combined with touches of kaolin results in a vast range of colors and a very vivid expression. Noteworthy are the protruding knees that form an intriguing sculptural counterpoint to the rigid lines of the torso, arms, and legs.
These figures were utilized by chiefs seeking direction during challenging times brought on by war, natural disasters, or internal disputes.
The Mbala or Bambala, which include the Basorgo (Songo), Humbu (Bahaumbu, Bavumbu), and Ngongo (Bangongo), are a Bantu tribe located between the middle Kwango and Kwilu Rivers region in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, having migrated from Angola during the 17th century. They are governed by regional village chiefs who oversee the economy, hunting, fishing, and manioc farming.
 
Photo credit: © Jean Godecharle.