TABWA FEMALE CARVED WOOD ANCESTOR FIGURE African Art Collectibles

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TABWA FEMALE CARVED WOOD ANCESTOR FIGURE African Art Collectibles· Measurement: 24 ½" High x 6 ¼" Wide x 6 ¼" Deep· Beautiful Brown Patina· Heavy Carved Piece of Solid Wood· Anatomically Correct· Normal wear for old piece· Normal age cracks with old wood (stable cracks left head and left front base areas)· Not sure of the exact age but appears to be very old (mid 20 th century)· This may be what the Tabwa call mipasi or mikisi which represent ancestors, great shamanistic healers and earth spirits· Acquired this from an African art dealer who hand picks items directly from Africa· Nice Heavy Tabwa Female FigureI am offering many pieces from my personal collection. CHECK BACK OFTEN . I have a passion for each Powerful Treasure .Info about Tabwa people:They live primarily in the Republic of the Congo and Zambia .Two hundred thousand (?) Tabwa occupy the west coast of Lake Tanganyika and some part of the northeastern Zambia . They are led by chiefs-sorcerers who rule over village chiefs and family chiefs. Traditionally, Tabwa people made their living from hunting and blacksmithing; nowadays they cultivate millet, manioc, and corn, but they live primarily off fishing and hunting.The verb "tabwa" means "to be tied up" and refers to when these people were taken as slaves. During the 19th century, the ivory trade brought wealth to the region and Tabwa people gained their independence. The influence of Eastern Tanzanian neighbors on Tabwa art is seen in their use of linear geometric decorations, while their western neighbors, the Luba, influenced the incorporation of prestige objects into Tabwa life. The Tabwa worshipped ancestors, whose statues were the property of the lineage chiefs and sorcerers; these carried "medications" in their ears or in small cavities at the top of their heads. The Tabwa also worshipped the spirits of nature, who lived in trees and rocks. The installation of a supreme chief is of relatively recent vintage; formerly it was the function of the large ancestor figures to consolidate the power of the chiefs. Other statuettes were used for divination. The Tabwa also made twin figures that could be both dangerous and bearers of good luck. In the north of Tabwa country, the diviner was also a sculptor; consulted after a dream, he would create a new statue. Special attention was paid to scarifications, which embellish the body and recall social values. On the whole surface of the body, a recurrent motif consists of twinned isosceles triangles, the two bases of which symbolize the duality of life. They evoke the coming of the new moon, essential to Tabwa philosophy, whose return would be celebrated monthly.Prompt payment appreciated!! Payment is due within 3 days of purchase (includes weekend days and holidays) (absolutely NO eChecks) (the transaction will be reversed) (PayPal offers many other options to make payment). I ship within two business days of cleared payment (most likely I will ship same day or the next day). Some larger items may require additional preparation time to assure proper packing for safe delivery. Discounts on shipping are automatically figured at checkout, when items can be combined. No refunds given on shipping and handling. I will not be responsible for incomplete or invalid addresses provided. Unpaid Item Cases will be filed after 3 days (includes weekend days and holidays) of nonpayment unless other arrangements have been communicated with me and agreed on before you bid or "Buy It Now". I reserve the right to relist the item immediately if I do have to file an Unpaid Item Case, because I have already lost exposure to other potential buyers. I would rather you not bid if you have any doubts about paying for your item. Selling on eBay does take a great deal of time, effort and expense. Also please keep in mind that eBay immediately charges the seller "final value fees" when the auction ends or you "Buy It Now".Please ask questions.IMPORTANT: Any buyer with... read more

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