Strictly speaking, this figure is a coffin, designed to contain the exhumed bones of a deceased ancestor. Made by the Ntomba (also known as the Ngata) people of the Congo region, these coffins (Bondange) were designed for two purposes: the first was to depict the characteristics of the deceased individual but, more importantly, to reflect their elevated status within the community. As a result, they tend to be very large, colourful, dramatically carved and elaborately decorated. Even by these standards, however, the current example is exceptional. It stands over seven feet tall (220cm), and is carved from a single section of tree trunk. The figure is emphatically male, with a deep thorax and hollow back (to receive the remains of the deceased), gracile arms resting on the hip area, and strong, trunk-like legs. The decoration consists of geometric patterns (diamonds and triangles, and thumb-marks) coloured with red, white, brown/red and blue, against a plain-wood ground, and outlined by metal studs. Details of ‘clothing’ are also picked out, including the individuals’ neckline and sleeves, with extra stud ‘jewellery’ on the thighs, nipples and wrists. The individual has a very long neck, surmounted by a highly stylised head which is painted white. The configuration of the eyes, face and mouth is very distinctive; the quality of the carving is extremely high. The squared jaw is adorned with the remains of a beard made from animal fur, while the cheeks are decorated with lines of metal studs, the ears with hoop earrings, and the neck with a bead necklace.

The condition of the figure seems to suggest that it was stored for a considerable period of time after manufacture. The significance of this is uncertain, but it has been noted that such coffins are usually ‘buried’ in rivers, which makes this specimen both uncommon and highly desirable. This is a stunning, important and imposing piece of African art that would grace any collection.