Lot 296: A fine Ngbaka or Ngbandi flywhisk

Ngbaka or Ngbandi, D.R. Congo; H: 20"

Of abstracted angular form, the well patinated face, with finely delineated raised brow-line and nasal ridge depicting classical scarification.

Comments:
This flywhisk, from the Ngbaka or Ngbandi peoples of D.R.C. Congo depicts a typically rendered head in Ngbaka/Ngbandi style on its handle - scarification extends down the nasal ridge and across the brow, and simple features without elaboration or attempt at naturalism depict the face. The Ngbaka and Ngbandi live in the Northeast of D.R. Congo and are closely allied with the neighboring related peoples. A flywhisk such as this may have been used by an elder, a chief, or a nobleman. The finely patinated handle and well worn details attest to many years of usage.

Provenance:
- ex. Joel Cooner, TX
- Zollman Collection, IND
- Gelbard collection, NY


Publication History:
Remnants of Ritual: Selections from the Gelbard collection of African Art (2003) Bourgeois & Rodolitz; Pg. 31, Fig. 71

Exhibition History:
Exhibition History: USA: "Remnants of Ritual, Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art":
- University Park, IL: Governors State University, February 2003
- Krannert, IL: Krannert Art Museum, 26 August-26 October, 2003
- Kansas City, MO: Belger Art Foundation/UNIVERSITY of Missouri-
Kansas City, 2004
- Park Forest, IL: Tall Grass Art Association, 2005

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