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

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Squatting Male Figure

This figure was probably part of a diviner's "tool kit." It comes from a Songye-related group, the Nsapo, who migrated northeast to Lulua country in the 1880s. The squatting pose with knees on elbows and chin resting on hands is found nowhere else in Africa but among the Lulua.

• Culture: Nsapo-Nsapo
• Medium: Wood, copper alloy, glass beads
• Place Made: Lulua Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dates: late 19th century
• Dimensions: 7 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 2 in. (19.1 x 4.4 x 5.1 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 80.100
• Credit Line: Purchased with funds given by Frieda and Milton F. Rosenthal; Carll H. de Silver Fund
• Image: 3/4 front, 80.100_threequarter_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Nsapo-Nsapo. Squatting Male Figure, late 19th century. Wood, copper alloy, glass beads, 7 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 2 in. (19.1 x 4.4 x 5.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Frieda and Milton F. Rosenthal; Carll H. de Silver Fund, 80.100 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 80.100_threequarter_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Standing figure of deep reddish-brown glossy tone. The legs are large and slightly flexed, a pronounced concave torso and very elongated arms with elbows resting on knees and hands touching chin. Oval head with beard and two pointed horns emerging from top. Face is carefully delineated with pointed chin, triangular nose, heavy-lidded eyes. The figure has large feet and stands on its own base, which is decorated with 15 brass tacks. A triple strand of glass beads, white and very light green, decorate the neck. Condition: good. Small round opening at top of hairline, another one on back between shoulders. Tip of right horn broken off and separate. Surface of figure sticky in some areas.