BEMBE STATUETTE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Wood H.: 15 cm (5??? in.) A Bembe figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo Provenance: Loudmer, Paris, Primitive Arts, 29 April 1991, lot no. 127 Collection of Jean-Jacques Rotthier (1932–2009), Brussels, then passed down through the family  Acting as true mediators between humankind and the Creator (Nzambi), these statues were intended to protect the lineage and ensure compliance with the rules governing community life. The eyes, inlaid with fragments of bone or porcelain, lend this sculpture a particularly expressive presence. The fine scarifications adorning the abdomen indicate the figure’s social status. Over the generations, ritual handling and the repeated application of palm oil have given the wood a deep patina with a satiny sheen. A BEMBE FIGURE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Wood H.: 5??? in. Provenance: Loudmer, Paris, Arts Primitifs, 29 April 1991, lot 127 Jean-Jacques Rotthier Collection (1932–2009), Brussels, then by descent These figures served as a direct cosmological link between humanity and the Creator, Nzambi. They fulfilled a dual function: safeguarding the family lineage and enforcing community customs through the punishment of moral transgressions. The Bembe achieved a remarkable sense of vitality by inlaying the eyes with carefully shaped fragments of bone or imported porcelain. The intricate scarification patterns carved across the abdomen denote both social status and lineage identity. Over generations, repeated ritual use and applications of palm oil have endowed the surface with its characteristic deep and lustrous patina.