Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Maniema region, Tabwa people, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A beautiful hand carved Mipasi ancestor figure from the torso up- rising from an integral plinth base. She is nude, her rounded stomach is lightly scored with linear markings as tattoos or ritualistic scarification, slender arms resting on hips, and elongated breasts. The oversized head is stylized with large elliptical eyes, raised lids, and arched brows over a petite nose, and slightly open lips. Her cheek bones protrude slightly, and her eyes are set in recessed sockets that create a gaunt or older visage. Her coiffure on the verso is an intricate arrangement of orderly rows of nodules on her skull and a panel representing a braid or plaits. The surface is enveloped in a lovely dark patina that is tactile smooth. Besides embodying ancestors, Mipasi were placed at the entrance of the village to ward off evil spirits and near the ill to promote healing. Size: 5" L x 4" W x 14.5" H (12.7 cm x 10.2 cm x 36.8 cm) Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #170941