Tribal Art

Located in the Democratic Congo between the Yaka and the Tchokwé of Angola, the small Holo ethnic group migrated from the Angolan coast to settle near the banks of the Kwango River. Hunting and agriculture provide for their livelihood. Neighbouring ethnic groups, such as the Suku and Yaka, influenced their traditional sculptures. The Holos have produced hexagonal masks and prestige objects for the ruling elite. The Holos used sculptures to guard against the influence of evil spirits, including the moon and the rainbow. These statues were placed near the houses as protection from lightning. Bird figures are also used to protect themselves from ndoki, or sorcerers, who activate evil spirits. In this case it is an intriguing figure, anthropozoomorphic, whose base of the bust, rounded, is surrounded by coarsely braided rattan, which maintain cords of fabric and raffia string. The arms lean on this dome, while a cluster of disparate plant elements (feathers, corn, branches, fragments of red cotton) is firmly tied on the abdomen. A bone passes through the bird's beak, and the top of its head is adorned with different colored textile braids. Burgundy and black pigments remain here and there on the wood, revealing an underlying light wood. Ref. In: "Africa" Coll. Sargos; "Chokwe and their Bantu Neighbours" M.L. Rodrigues de Areia.