Mangbetu Bust Vase 231.1

A Mangbetu bust vase from the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo — part vessel, part sculpture, in hand-burnished terracotta with a deep, near-obsidian patina.

The Mangbetu developed this figurative style in the early 20th century to honour an idealised beauty. The elongated head reflects lipombo, the traditional shaping of the skull as a sign of majesty and status, crowned by the flared tumburu coiffure once worn by ruling-class women. Incised geometric scarification runs across the torso, and a circular opening at the top lets it work as a vase or stand alone as a striking sculptural piece.

Size: H 46cm × W 25cm × D 25cm.