Benalulúa male statue, Democratic Republic of the Congo, c.

Benalulúa statues are notable for their high degree of scarification, a manifestation of a desire to be socially differentiated. The male statues represent large, bearded chiefs with insignia, and these effigies would be planted in the ground to protect the family when the head of the family was absent. These male figures represent warrior-chiefs who often hold a ceremonial sword and shield or a cup. Height: 70 cm Reproduced: Catalogue “Africa Babel: the Art of a Continent”, p.107 left
Exhibitions:
2022-2024 Island of Fuerteventura “Art Africa: Ancestral Light”. Lighthouse of the Entallada. Cabildo of Fuerteventura.
2021-2022 Panama City. Government of Panama. “Art Africa: the spirit of the ancestors”. Ministry of Culture Headquarters. Casco Viejo.
2019-2020 Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Caja Canarias Foundation. “Africa-Babel: the art of a Continent”. Headquarters Plaza Patriotismo.
2013-2015 Museum of Art of Africa and Oceania (Madao). La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia.
2005 “Black Africa”, Leather Museum.
2004 “Black Africa”. Caixa Laietana Foundation, Barcelona. Main exhibition hall