Need help to identify an African wood carving

Hello,
I would like to find if possible from what tribe in Africa this carving is originating.
Was not able to do it myself over internet.
Will appreciate any help. Thank you in advance!

 

You didn't see this one?

https://www.spectrumartsinc.com/product/janus-like-mambila-sculpture/

Debora

 

Many thanks, Debora!
Unfortunately the site is inaccessible from my side and that is the reason to not be able to find it. Managed via google to se the picture of the carving they have and it is indeed very similar. Will continue to dig for the Mambila art. Thank you again!

 

Posting for others who may have difficulty accessing.

Debora

 

Whew ! Lot's of new members this morning-Welcome ALL-interesting stuff.

 

where did u find it ?
what size is it ?

 

Here is another similar figure, from a 2021 auction catalog -

https://www.theodorebruceauctions.c...e-democratic-republic-of-the-congo_DDA4D86A4E

This one is attributed to the Pere people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is a little confusing, as there are "Pere" in Nigeria and Cameroon, but "Peri" in the DRC. The orthography of African names is often inconsistent.

You might try contacting the Spectrum Arts Gallery which has the example that Debora posted, and ask how they identified their piece as Mambila.
Here is their contact information, if you cannot follow the link:
"You can contact us at: spectrum.art.gallery.llc@gmail.com or by phone at (505) 995-9642. Our Mailing address is: c/o Travelers Market Galleries at De Vargas Mall, 542 North Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM, 87501, US"

 

And 2 more at another gallery, described as "Pere style", from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They also say they believe they are wood, covered with leather, and probably made for sale -

https://www.hamillgallery.com/PERE/PereCouples/PereCouple01.html

https://www.hamillgallery.com/PERE/PereCouples/PereCouple02.html

 

Thank you ALL for your input!

I obtained my statuette from a dealer in Nairobi, Kenya in 2007 together with other African objects and masks.

The statuette is made of heavy red wood and is 25 cm high and without any trace of leather.

Following your suggestion about Pere peoples culture I found an interesting and very similar object with the following explanation:

"Authentic janus Mbuti fertility statuette Pere Bambuti pygmies Ituri D. R. of Congo pygmy statue figure Zande Azande Boa african tribal art"

Unless it was left to rotten in the ground for some time to looks old it didn't seems to be made for sale. But nowadays, who knows......




https://www.etsy.com/listing/1427578096/authentic-janus-mbuti-fertility

 

Here are some more figures in a similar style, although not conjoined. The attributions (Pere, Mbuti, Zande - all very different peoples) seem to be feeding off of each other, with no one really knowing their origin other than possibly coming out of the Congo. The interpretation as "fertility figures" is always a catchy phrase with regard to unknown objects from Africa. These last batches appear to be artificially "aged".


https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/73594...ti-pigmies-ituri-forest-dr-congo-16-7-cm-wood


https://www.lot-art.com/auction-lot...R-of-Congo/49508155-4x_mbuti-07.7.21-catawiki

We may be witnessing an interesting evolution of a style, as the makers explore what sells best.

It reminds me of an earlier thread about a carved cup, also possibly from the Congo, with a similar style of face:
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/palm-wine-cup.57514/

and a further discussion of more examples here:
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/hand-carved-wooden-pitcher.62439/#post-4123839

The Democratic Republic of Congo is, unfortunately, a dangerous mess. Objects seem to come out to be sold in other African countries, but without any good information about their specific origins.