Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Standing Male Figure

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Standing Male Figure

Although little is known about this figure, its hairstyle, ridged in front and worked into small circles in back, and small scars carved across the brow and along the edge of the jaw indicate it is of Zande origin. Such decorative markings, either on art objects or living persons, are clues to group affiliation, rank, and status.

• Culture: Zande
• Medium: Wood
• Place Made: Bondo Region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dates: 19th or 20th century
• Dimensions: 14 3/4 x 4 x 7/16 in. (37.5 x 10.2 x 1.1 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 22.103
• Credit Line: Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
• Image: Overall, 22.103_SL1_edited_version.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Zande. Standing Male Figure, 19th or 20th century. Wood, 14 3/4 x 4 x 7/16 in. (37.5 x 10.2 x 1.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.103 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.103_SL1_edited_version.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Carved wooden standing male figure. Light wood stained black. Face wide. Arms and torso are flat, lean, and long. Coiffure has high, rounded, parallel ridges running front to back; back of hair worked into flat concentric circles. Band of small scars across brow and along edge of jaw. Holes in earlobe. Trunk and upper arms ornamented with vertical bands made up of diagonal incisions. Some cracking on figure. Arm restored 1/68.