Statuette - ?? - DR Congo
Opens 11:00
Starting bid
€ 1
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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 € 350 - € 400
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Description from the seller
Kneeling statue – Vili / Sundi
Democratic Republic of the Congo
An ancient miniature Vili fetish, called Sundi, depicting a kneeling figure in a posture of contemplation and devotion. This kind of sculpture, small in size but of great expressive intensity, occupied an essential place in ancient ritual and spiritual practices, serving as an intermediary between the world of the living and the realm of invisible forces.
The kneeling posture, recurring in ancient Vili art, evokes both supplication, offerings, and respect toward the ancestors or the powers invoked. The figure holds a symbolic element in the hand, reinforcing the ritual dimension and the active use of the object. The proportions are balanced, the silhouette compact and powerful, despite the reduced format.
The face is particularly well-groomed: defined features, an expressive gaze, a mouth emphasized and a beard sculpted with precision. The old patina, dark and deep, testifies to long handling and prolonged use. It enhances the authenticity and visual presence of the piece, while revealing wear consistent with its age.
These old miniature Vili fetishes are today highly sought after, both for their rarity and for their symbolic significance and sculptural quality. This is a top-tier collectible object, which will appeal as much to the discerning collector as to the connoisseur of ancient African art seeking a strong, authentic piece charged with meaning.
Provenance: former collection from 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.
Kneeling statue – Vili / Sundi
Democratic Republic of the Congo
An ancient miniature Vili fetish, called Sundi, depicting a kneeling figure in a posture of contemplation and devotion. This kind of sculpture, small in size but of great expressive intensity, occupied an essential place in ancient ritual and spiritual practices, serving as an intermediary between the world of the living and the realm of invisible forces.
The kneeling posture, recurring in ancient Vili art, evokes both supplication, offerings, and respect toward the ancestors or the powers invoked. The figure holds a symbolic element in the hand, reinforcing the ritual dimension and the active use of the object. The proportions are balanced, the silhouette compact and powerful, despite the reduced format.
The face is particularly well-groomed: defined features, an expressive gaze, a mouth emphasized and a beard sculpted with precision. The old patina, dark and deep, testifies to long handling and prolonged use. It enhances the authenticity and visual presence of the piece, while revealing wear consistent with its age.
These old miniature Vili fetishes are today highly sought after, both for their rarity and for their symbolic significance and sculptural quality. This is a top-tier collectible object, which will appeal as much to the discerning collector as to the connoisseur of ancient African art seeking a strong, authentic piece charged with meaning.
Provenance: former collection from 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
Statuette
Ethnic group/ culture
??
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
15 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
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