Zaire, currently known as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This work demonstrates the artistic spirit of Zaireans, fantastic creators recognized throughout the African continent.
The character represented is a Kuba King, he is dressed in a royal habit called « Labot Latwool », entirely realized with elements coming from the animal and vegetable world.
Nature remains the place of supply for these artisanal artists. The dress is made of fig tree bark, soaked and then beaten, using wooden clubs, until a fine material is obtained and sufficiently malleable to be deformed and carried. At his waist, a belt of cowrie shells. At his neck, he wears a leopard-toothed collar and holds in his left hand, a fly-hunting making with elephant-tail hairs.
Photo : Art de l’Afrique Noire – Fondation Maeght
Editions of works available.