Cleveland Museum of Art

Male Figure

Date: mid- to late 1800s
Medium: Wood and colorant
Culture: Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Hungaan-style maker
Department: African Art
Institution: Cleveland Museum of Art

Hungaan figures of this size served as guardians of ritual shrines and functioned in rituals to promote fertility, guarantee well-being, and ensure longevity. The striking crested hairstyle imitates a real coiffure or a wig, indicative of status and prestige. The hands supporting the chin identify the figure as a chief who is immersed in thought and contemplation, pondering over his responsibilities. The red powdery surface of this figure mimics a red body adornment that mixed ground camwood with palm oil.

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