Boyo statue (Pre-Bembe).

Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Wood, height: 43 cm. Aura Collection.

 

 

Once part of what is now the Bembe territory, the Boyo lived west of Lake Tanganyika. Specific statues are used to ask their ancestors for protection, especially in times of misfortune. The statues are kept in the hut of the village or lineage chief.