Great Nkisi Fetish - Bakongo - DR Congo
06
days
21
hours
44
minutes
54
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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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 € 280 - € 350
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Grand fétiche Nkisi, a Bakongo ritual figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, provenance: private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Great Nkisi Fetish – Bakongo – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ritual power, sculptural presence, and a symbol of prestige.
Property of a seasoned Belgian collector, amassed over many years of collecting.
This large Nkisi Bakongo fetish asserts itself through its strong presence and the quality of its sculpture. The figure, firmly planted on a circular base, displays a resolute frontal posture, a symbol of authority and ritual efficacy. The face, particularly well crafted, is distinguished by an intense expression: eyes inlaid and highlighted with light pigments, mouth slightly open, and protruding ears, conferring to the whole ensemble a remarkably expressive force.
The ventral magical charge, carefully sealed by an ancient mirror, attests to the ritual activation of the object by a nganga, an expert in Bakongo spiritual practices. The surface reveals a beautiful patina of use, deep and nuanced, the result of repeated manipulations and a long ritual journey. The traces of pigmentation reinforce the symbolic reading and the aesthetic value of the whole.
An authentic and sought-after collectible Nkisi, this object brings together spiritual power, formal quality, and ethnographic coherence. A rare opportunity for any collector looking to acquire a high-level Bakongo fetish, representative of the great ritual figures of the DRC.
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.
Great Nkisi Fetish – Bakongo – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ritual power, sculptural presence, and a symbol of prestige.
Property of a seasoned Belgian collector, amassed over many years of collecting.
This large Nkisi Bakongo fetish asserts itself through its strong presence and the quality of its sculpture. The figure, firmly planted on a circular base, displays a resolute frontal posture, a symbol of authority and ritual efficacy. The face, particularly well crafted, is distinguished by an intense expression: eyes inlaid and highlighted with light pigments, mouth slightly open, and protruding ears, conferring to the whole ensemble a remarkably expressive force.
The ventral magical charge, carefully sealed by an ancient mirror, attests to the ritual activation of the object by a nganga, an expert in Bakongo spiritual practices. The surface reveals a beautiful patina of use, deep and nuanced, the result of repeated manipulations and a long ritual journey. The traces of pigmentation reinforce the symbolic reading and the aesthetic value of the whole.
An authentic and sought-after collectible Nkisi, this object brings together spiritual power, formal quality, and ethnographic coherence. A rare opportunity for any collector looking to acquire a high-level Bakongo fetish, representative of the great ritual figures of the DRC.
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
Great 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
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