a SUBLIME vintage 1930s 40s African tribal hand carved wood and copper studs stylized African Woman elongated head sculpture from the Mangbetu people of the DRC. An early and quite strikingly beautiful African tribal art sculpture depicting the body/head modification practices of the Mangbetu people of the Congo. No doubt artworks like this are what inspired Italian artist Amadeo Modigliani to create his depictions of elongated faces in his iconic portraits! Entirely hand carved from solid wood, and with applied handmade copper 'necklace', 'earrings', and studs at top of the head as shown in the photos. As you can see the entire sculpture is elongated from a natural shape, and this is no doubt a depiction of a young African woman whose tribe practices body modification, specifically the head region. African body and head modification includes practices like artificial cranial deformation, such as the elongated heads of the Mangbetu people of north-east Democratic Republic of the Congo. Babies' heads were bound with cloth to create the desired shape. As adults, the effect was emphasised by wrapping the hair around a woven basket frame so that the head appeared even more elongated. This sculpture is unmarked, and I am guessing of African origin, likely the Mangbetu people of the Congo. Measures 12-5/8" high by 7-1/4" wide by 4-1/4" deep at base. Weighs over 2.6 pounds prior to packing. In any case, a lovely vintage Art Deco era sculpture with a tribal theme! Excellent vintage condition overall with some slight spots of wear to the finish and tarnish to the metal parts but no damage or detractors whatsoever.

An early 20th century African tribal carved wood & copper studs elongated-head sculpture by the Mangbetu people of the DRC.

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