Powerful Nkisi fetish - Bakongo - DR Congo

06
days
17
hours
00
minutes
45
seconds
Current bid
€ 65
Reserve price not met
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 430 - € 500
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PTBidder 3925
€65

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Fetish Nkisi with a dorsal charge, Bakongo, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; height 32 cm, width 1 cm, depth 1 cm, weight 1 g; mid-20th century; provenance private Belgian collection; excellent condition.

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Description from the seller

Nkisi power figure with a dorsal charge – Democratic Republic of the Congo

Impressive Nkisi fetish presented in its original state, remarkable for the presence of an intact dorsal charge, a central element of its ritual activation. The figure rests on a carved turtle, a highly symbolic posture and perfectly documented in Bakongo sculpture, associated with stability, longevity, and the link between the visible and invisible worlds.

The sculpture stands out for its powerful, balanced structure, the meticulous treatment of the face with an intense expression, and a beautiful patina of age that attests to real ritual use. The volumes are solid, the stance controlled, and the overall piece exudes a strong presence.

This type of fetish is today particularly sought after, both for its formal quality and for the rarity of specimens preserved with their full charge. A piece with character, intended for a discerning collector or for a reference collection.

Provenance: former collection of a private Belgian family.

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.

Nkisi power figure with a dorsal charge – Democratic Republic of the Congo

Impressive Nkisi fetish presented in its original state, remarkable for the presence of an intact dorsal charge, a central element of its ritual activation. The figure rests on a carved turtle, a highly symbolic posture and perfectly documented in Bakongo sculpture, associated with stability, longevity, and the link between the visible and invisible worlds.

The sculpture stands out for its powerful, balanced structure, the meticulous treatment of the face with an intense expression, and a beautiful patina of age that attests to real ritual use. The volumes are solid, the stance controlled, and the overall piece exudes a strong presence.

This type of fetish is today particularly sought after, both for its formal quality and for the rarity of specimens preserved with their full charge. A piece with character, intended for a discerning collector or for a reference collection.

Provenance: former collection of a private Belgian family.

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.

Details

Indigenous object name
Powerful Nkisi fetish
Ethnic group/ culture
Bakongo
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
32 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
BelgiumVerified
895
Objects sold
97.83%
Private

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