The Yombe are one of several Kongo
groups, and this is a superb example of Yombe sculpture.
Its head is lifted with an open mouth revealing teeth.
The tortoise in Africa is a symbol of old wisdom,
cautiousness and prudence, and since it lives on earth
and underwater, gives it familiarity with spirits of the
otherworld who live in water.
We believe this piece to be from the mid-late 20th century, so it is not very old. It has slight age split on the right side of head and face. Likely post WWII.
Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection.
Height: 15" x Width: 4" x Depth: 4 ⅝".
