Chien Kongo Nkisi Nkonde - DR Congo (No reserve price)





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Wooden sculpture titled 'Chien Kongo Nkisi Nkonde' from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a Kongo Nkisi Nkonde guardian dog dating to 2000–2010, measuring 30 cm high, 13 cm wide and 12 cm deep, in excellent condition and sold without a stand.
Description from the seller
Description
Wooden sculpture depicting a guardian dog in a vigilant stance, often standing or crouching, with ears erect and the mouth sometimes slightly open.
The body is often dotted with nails, points, or metal blades embedded in the surface — ritual elements characteristic of Nkisi Nkonde.
The eyes are sometimes embedded with glass or shells, giving the animal an intense and penetrating gaze.
Some versions feature a ventral cavity containing a magical charge (bilongo), sealed with resin, a mirror, or a metal plate.
The figure of the dog symbolizes loyalty, protection, and the ability to see in both worlds: that of the living and that of spirits.
In the Kongo tradition, dogs are messengers and spiritual guardians.
Description
Wooden sculpture depicting a guardian dog in a vigilant stance, often standing or crouching, with ears erect and the mouth sometimes slightly open.
The body is often dotted with nails, points, or metal blades embedded in the surface — ritual elements characteristic of Nkisi Nkonde.
The eyes are sometimes embedded with glass or shells, giving the animal an intense and penetrating gaze.
Some versions feature a ventral cavity containing a magical charge (bilongo), sealed with resin, a mirror, or a metal plate.
The figure of the dog symbolizes loyalty, protection, and the ability to see in both worlds: that of the living and that of spirits.
In the Kongo tradition, dogs are messengers and spiritual guardians.

