Object Name: Figure
Cultural Group: Yaka peoples
Place of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date: 19th century
Materials Used: Wood
Dimensions: W: 5.8 cm, H: 29.8 cm, D: 7.1 cm (W: 2.3 in, H: 11.7 in, D: 2.8 in)
Credit line and Accession Number: Fowler Museum at UCLA. Anonymous gift. X86.1947

Yaka figures demonstrate the intersections of sculpture and healing. The figure with the empty cavity once held a charge of potent medicinal substances, which its owners may have removed. The bottle in the shape of a female figure may have served as a medicinal container. The rendering of the female figure with her arms positioned tightly under her breasts and a turned-up nose are hallmarks of Yaka style.

Source: Gallery text, Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives, 2006