{"title":"Decorative art","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"statue-dancetre-feminin-ndengese","title":"Ndengese female ancestor figure","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNdengese female commemorative statue in hard wood with an old brown patina, adorned with geometric scarifications inspired by Kuba art. A ritual piece steeped in history, originating from the Kasai region in the Democratic Republic of Congo.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis female ancestor statue is characteristic of Ndengese art, a people established north of the Kuba kingdom, across the Sankuru River. It likely represents a lineage founder or a high-ranking dignitary, recognizable by her prestige attributes: an elaborate woven cap-shaped headdress, neck rings, and wrist bracelets.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe entire body constitutes a true repertoire of signs. Geometric scarifications cover the bust, arms, and belly in an intertwining of diamonds, cross-hatching, and criss-cross patterns inspired by Kuba raffia fabrics. These marks convey the social rank of the figure and refer to the mysteries of chieftain authority.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe posture is classic: hands resting on the knees symbolize the unity between the chief and his people. The well-defined breasts confirm the feminine character of the figure. The high hairstyle, topped with a cylindrical element, is an insignia of intelligence and distinction reserved for dignitaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGeneral condition: very good. The dark brown patina indicates prolonged ritual use. There are some slight wear marks on the headdress and fine natural cracks in the wood, consistent with the age of the piece. No structural defects or visible restorations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carved hardwood with brown\/black patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kasai region, Democratic Republic of Congo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good — ritual use patina, no restoration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnique piece\u003c\/strong\u003e — 1 item available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003ePick-up on site only\u003c\/strong\u003e — cash payment upon collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Lena - Dana","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60285762535758,"sku":"ART-009","price":400.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1060\/6506\/8366\/files\/IMG_1273.jpg?v=1785678421"},{"product_id":"reliquaire-anthropomorphe-yaka","title":"Yaka Anthropomorphic Reliquary","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional Yaka monoxyl reliquary, carved from a single block of wood and featuring a leather-hinged door. This ritual piece from the Democratic Republic of Congo bears witness to rare ancestral craftsmanship.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis anthropomorphic Yaka reliquary is a work carved from a single block of hardwood, making it a remarkable example of Central Africa's monoxyl tradition. The piece consists of a rectangular box surmounted by a kneeling female figure with characteristic Yaka stylistic features: a rounded bipartite hairstyle, a serene face with half-closed eyes, and prominent breasts. Her hands rest on her thighs in a contemplative posture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe central box has a front door articulated by an original leather hinge, a rare detail that confirms the object's ancient ritual use. This door opens onto an internal cavity intended to hold ancestral relics, medicinal substances, or divination tools. On the door and sides, carved relief reptiles – probably crocodiles or monitor lizards – act as spiritual guardians, symbols of strength and ancestral power.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe base of the sculpture rests on two small crouching figures, interpreted as protective spirits. The entire box is adorned with incised geometric patterns – diamonds and crosshatch lines – typical of Yaka decorative art. The encrusted patina in places attests to prolonged ritual use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe overall condition of the piece is very good. No major cracks are visible. The leather hinge is intact and functional. The carved details are clear and well-preserved. This piece is suitable for both seasoned collectors and interior design enthusiasts looking for an object rich in history and meaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 67 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carved hardwood (monoxyl), leather hinge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Democratic Republic of Congo (Yaka people)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good — hinge intact and functional\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnique piece\u003c\/strong\u003e — 1 available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eOn-site collection only\u003c\/strong\u003e — cash payment upon collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Lena - Dana","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60285764403534,"sku":"ART-010","price":400.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1060\/6506\/8366\/files\/IMG_1287.jpg?v=1785678227"},{"product_id":"masque-kifwebe","title":"Kifwebe Mask","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMale Kifwebe mask carved by the Songye ethnic group, adorned with polychrome stripes and accompanied by its ritual raffia headdress. An authentic piece steeped in history and symbolic power.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Kifwebe mask (literally \"mask\" in the Songye language) is a remarkable testament to the ritual art of Central Africa. Originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Katanga region, it belongs to the tradition of the Bwadi bwa Kifwebe secret society, guardian of spiritual balance within Songye communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe piece displays the classic characteristics of the male mask (kilume): a large protruding vertical crest, bulging eyes highlighted with white arcs, and a face covered with geometric polychrome chevron stripes. The colors – red, dark blue, white, and brown – are deployed in parallel lines and characteristic V-shaped patterns. The chin features an X-shaped motif typical of the male style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe natural raffia headdress, mixed with black fibers, is still well-preserved and attests to the ceremonial use of the object. This type of mask was worn during ritual dances related to funerals, initiations, and healing ceremonies. Its post-1930 style (high crest and wide stripes) makes it a representative example of the baroque period of Kifwebe sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe overall condition is good. The usage patina and some slight wear of the pigments attest to the authenticity and history of the piece. A collectible item with a strong cultural significance, ideal for an admirer of tribal art or an experienced collector.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carved wood, raffia fibers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Songye ethnic group, Democratic Republic of Congo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good — authentic usage patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnique piece\u003c\/strong\u003e — 1 available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eOn-site pickup only\u003c\/strong\u003e — cash payment upon collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Lena - Dana","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60285768925518,"sku":"ART-011","price":380.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1060\/6506\/8366\/files\/IMG_1289_2b466881-ca48-4fb5-b145-e2f05070f150.jpg?v=1785678007"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1060\/6506\/8366\/collections\/IMG_1273.jpg?v=1785683884","url":"https:\/\/lena-dana.ch\/en\/collections\/art-decoratif.oembed","provider":"Lena - Dana","version":"1.0","type":"link"}