{"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","url":"https:\/\/lena-dana.ch\/en\/products\/statue-dancetre-feminin-ndengese","provider":"Lena - Dana","version":"1.0","type":"link"}