Beschreibung:

A fine and rare Mangbetu figurative lidded bark box rising from a spherical wooden base with a sharply ridged central support, the disc-like platform encircled by the cylindrical body compose of bark with a central seam, the lid constructed of lightweight wood in the form of a head with a gently rounded Adam's apple, the soft jawline framing the notched mouth, nose with delinated nostrils and large coffee-bean eyes punctuated by incised brows, the prominent ears pierced for attachment and wearing the traditional tall, tapering coiffure incised with ridges and chevron motifs; the base incised with pokerwork 'SONGO DEKVoi'; '578' in white pigment; natural honey brown patina with darkened areas of pokerwork. height 20 5/8 in. 52.5cm