Kuba Peoples

located in Congo basin
formed from loose confederacy of related tribes
- became kingdom under same “nyim” (leader)
artistry is very important
- apprenticeship system of emulating designs
- royal court was patron to many specific artists
kings represent the good of society
- illness is a danger to the kingdom
- greatly glorified through history
councils advise the “nyim”

nyim

Ndop figures

King Mishe was a celebrated king in early 18th century
- known for generosity and loyal subjects
- commissioned an ndop portrait statue
  - solidified accomplishments
  - first collected in 1909 by colonial minister of Belgium
    - purchased by Brooklyn Museum
- his specific ndop has the “ibol” of a drum with severed hand
made from same schematic design
- sitting cross-legged on throne
- with “ibol” (personal symbol) in front of him
  - represented most well-known features such as generosity
forbidden to depict physical flaws
- therefore all look very similar
- known as portrait to the king
  - can not be done without the king as reference

emphasized heads representing ideal intelligence
rounded contours of the head, shoulders, and stomach
idealized form
- showing similar expression, position, and regalia
regularly polished with palm oil and camwood
- giving a reddish surface over time
  - symbolized the magical powers of the “nyim”
the Bushoong visor crown is the rectangular prism on the head