1969.S.131 Standing male figure (mbulenga)

Small sculpted figures holding a vessel in one hand are called mbulenga, which means "for beauty, for good luck" in the Lulua language, and were believed to offer general well-being. The figure's reddish-brown patina is the result of being coated with ngula (red powder from the camwood tree mixed with water). Its power comes from the contents of the vessel, which included the hair of a female albino (considered a blessing by the Lulua), the bark of a sacred tree (mutshi muabi), and red feathers from the tail of a gray parrot.

The hairstyle, clothing, ornamentation, and scarification that were in fashion at the time are detailed. An individual so adorned was considered bwimpe—that is, beautiful, not only physically but morally as well. Scarification is produced by making cuts in the skin, which must heal properly to leave smooth and shiny raised scars. An individual whose skin did not heal properly was not considered to be a beautiful and moral person. To give themselves a healthy glow, individuals applied a mixture of red earth, oil, and kaolin to their bodies.[1]

[1] Timmermans, Paul. “Essai des typologie de la sculpture des Bena Luluwa du Kasai.” Africa-Tervuren 12, no. 1 (1966): 17–27. pp. 17-18.

n.d.: Clark and Frances Stillman Collection, Dallas, Texas/New York

1969: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, gift of Eugene and Margaret McDermott [1]

[1] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983.

Apply to objects where number equals 1969.S.131