Rare Bas-relief - Bakongo - DR Congo (No reserve price)

The Bakongo bas-relief panels are wood-carved works that codify the moral, social, and cosmogonical principles of the Kongo culture, centered on the interaction between the world of the living and that of the ancestors. These panels, often rectangular and executed with great finesse, were used to illustrate historical or legendary narratives, ethical precepts, or ritual events, and were employed in ceremonial or political contexts, sometimes hung in the chiefs' houses or in family shrines.

The motifs depict human figures, animals, or abstract symbols, arranged in a narrative or repetitive manner. Each detail — posture, gesture, or attribute — carries symbolic meaning, reinforcing the object's pedagogical and mnemonic function. Deep lines, crisp contours, and relief emphasize legibility and the visual power of the panel, which serves both as a medium of communication and as an artistic expression.

Introduction to our expertise firm

Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.

We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.