Hemba Male Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congoheight 13 1/2in (34.3cm)ProvenanceBarry Kitnick, Gallery K, Los AngelesAcquired from the above by the present ownerFinely carved in hard wood, this figure wears an unusual tripartite coiffure with each tuft of hair gradually tapering downward, each with raised braiding carved near the ends; the trapezoidal face on a flat plane with sweeping eyebrows arched over down-swept eyes, linear nose broadening at the nostrils and raised pursed lips; the squared shoulders slightly hunched forward with arms in akimbo, resting on the protruding abdomen; heavy-set legs with pointed knees resting on an oval base; heavily adzed surface with dark brown encrusted patina.Cf. African Heritage Archives, Object #ao-0028914-001 for a work probably by the same hand.