Cover for a proverb - Bakongo - DR Congo
05
days
15
hours
13
minutes
39
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
No bids placed
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Description from the seller
The Bakongo proverb lids, from the Kongo people (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Republic of the Congo), are carved wooden objects, often adorned with geometric motifs or symbolic scenes. These lids, placed on sacred containers (such as medicine boxes or reliquaries), serve as visual aids for proverbs or moral teachings.
Each motif or carved figure illustrates a maxim, a story, or a life lesson, transmitted orally by the initiates or the elders. They play a pedagogical and spiritual role, reminding people of the values of wisdom, justice, and social cohesion within the community.
These objects, both utilitarian and symbolic, reflect the richness of the Kongo oral tradition, where art and speech come together to preserve and transmit ancestral knowledge.
Overview of our expertise firm:
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).
We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.
Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.
Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.
Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.
The Bakongo proverb lids, from the Kongo people (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Republic of the Congo), are carved wooden objects, often adorned with geometric motifs or symbolic scenes. These lids, placed on sacred containers (such as medicine boxes or reliquaries), serve as visual aids for proverbs or moral teachings.
Each motif or carved figure illustrates a maxim, a story, or a life lesson, transmitted orally by the initiates or the elders. They play a pedagogical and spiritual role, reminding people of the values of wisdom, justice, and social cohesion within the community.
These objects, both utilitarian and symbolic, reflect the richness of the Kongo oral tradition, where art and speech come together to preserve and transmit ancestral knowledge.
Overview of our expertise firm:
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house has been assisting collectors and families for many years, with a simple approach: seriousness, transparency and service. We enjoy a solid reputation among tribal art enthusiasts and are among the leading sellers on Catawiki, where we count ourselves among the oldest merchants (more than 8 years).
We have specialized in valuing and ensuring the liquidation and dispersion of dozens of family collections, and have sold thousands of objects in partnership with private individuals, notaries, estates, inheritances, and collection cessations. Our track record speaks for itself: hundreds of evaluations nearing 100% positive feedback, an indicator that is worth more than any discussion of our commitment and reliability.
Pieces that have passed through our hands are today in prestigious collections and, for some, have joined museum institutions — a guarantee of the quality and consistency of our selection throughout the year. We regularly offer no-reserve sales.
Express shipping: dispatched within 24 hours, insured, tracking (tracking), and extremely careful and secure packaging.
Contact 7 days a week: we respond quickly and remain at your disposal to advise you and document the items currently for sale.
Details
Indigenous object name
Cover for a proverb
Ethnic group/ culture
Bakongo
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Fair condition
Height
1 cm
Width
20 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
