A rare polychrome bust sculpture, probably of a sanctuary guardian. The face has closed eyelids, giving it a gentle presence all of its own, with arms at the sides of the body and hands resting on the stomach, called bumbitila vumu, a sign of silence and serenity called sinsu kia pii. See Le geste Kongo, Dapper, 2002, p. 107 Bakongo (Vili group), Democratic Republic of the Congo Wood, pigments (drips on the back), age cracks, characteristic age erosion under the base, oxidation of the wood and patina of use. H. 41.5 cm Provenance : Didier Claes, Brussels Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels David Henrion Collection, Brussels