Seated Figure (bimbi)

Culture: Bembe artist
Date: late 19th century
Material: Wood, shell
associated with: Bas-Zaïre province, Congo, Africa
Classification: Sculpture
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: On View, Gallery 117
Dimensions: 8 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 1 7/8 in. (21.6 x 5.7 x 4.8 cm)
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 25:1942

NOTES

Figures such as this one, known as bimbi, are images of deceased ancestors, rendered in idealized form. The sculptures are meticulously carved with eyes inlaid with bits of pottery. Bimbi typically have a small cavity—in this case a vertical opening in the base—into which powerful substances can be added. After medicinal substances have been placed in the cavity, the figures are believed to have the capacity to protect their owners from various calamities.

Provenance

by 1941 - 1942
Frank Crowninshield (1872–1947), New York, NY, USA

1942 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased at auction, "African Sculptures," McMillen, Inc., New York, October 16 - November 7, 1941, lot no. 36 [1]

Notes:
The main source of this provenance is the exhibition catalogue, "A Selection of African Sculptures from the Frank Crowninshield Collection." The exhibition took place at McMillen, Inc. in New York from October 16 through November 7, 1941.

[1] An invoice dated April 27, 1942 from McMillen, Inc. to the City Art Museum documents the purchase of this object, listed as "Seated King of Bapende Culture, Belgian Congo" [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, April 2, 1942.

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