Ancestral figure

myminifactory

This sculpture depicts a dynamic figure likely representing a specific ancestor from the Lube kingdom's lineage that commissioned its creation. It also showcases the power and virtues of ancestors as a whole. Like Saint James' sculpture, it serves to remind a community of its shared heritage, embodying desirable qualities that viewers can emulate. The Buli style of African wood sculpture, also known as the long-faced style of Buli, was crafted by the Luba peoples (Baluba) of Congo (Kinshasa). These carvings, originating from the village of Buli in what is now Katanga province, exhibit remarkable uniformity among each other and distinctiveness from other Luba carvings. Initially, they were attributed to a single artist, dubbed the Master of Buli, but further investigation revealed that these sculptures were produced by a workshop rather than a solitary creator.