Ntadi Grave Marker, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, carved stone (steatite), The Kongo place stone figures called tumba on the graves of powerful people. This very noble chief is shown with crossed legs seated hugging one knee with his head looking upward in a state of contemplation. His cap incised with a decorative native cloth pattern, the necklace identify the individual as a chief. The term tumba comes from the old Portuguese word for “tomb this genre may have been inspired by grave monuments for European merchants and missionaries in Kongo cemeteries. 17.75 inches tall. Provenance: From a large lot of African art purchased by a knowledgeable collector from a storage unit buyer. Story featured in The Los Angeles Times, November 2004. with some scuffing and minor loss to the outer edges, otherwise in good condition. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .