Several sculptors from Lower Congo produced realistic busts in an academic style.

These were particularly popular with Europeans: in the 1950s, they achieved higher prices than so-called ‘ethnographic’ masks and statues. Academic-style busts by artists such as Ntonio, Niamba Loemba, or Futi Daniel fetched between 120 and 350 Belgian francs (21-63 euros). Around the same time, a bandunga mask by a skilled traditional sculptor such as Lucas Lobata (a specimen is shown in the display case) could go for nearly 50 francs (9 euros).

Europeans were usually charged higher prices than local buyers.