Mask - Congo (No reserve price)
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Nkondi Kisi Kongo wooden Nkondi canine figure from Congo, carved in Bois and dating to ca. 1900–1910, in good condition with age-related wear and stains, provenance from an African art collection.
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Description from the seller
Nkondi Kisi Kongo
Chien fétiche Kosso Nkondi Kisi Kongo
Piece from the African art collection
The nail fetishes or "Nkondi" were activated by the songs of the "Nganga" in order to awaken their powers, but also by striking at its feet and driving a nail into the wood of the statue. It serves as a mediator between the world of the living and the dead.
The "Nkondi" can take the form of a warrior holding a spear, or, in this case, the form of a dog or "Koso". Generally, this type of statue is bi-headed because for the Kongo, dogs have four eyes, with the power to see beyond the world of the living, and thus to detect people who have bad intentions.
The back is covered with nails.
Nkondi Kisi Kongo
Chien fétiche Kosso Nkondi Kisi Kongo
Piece from the African art collection
The nail fetishes or "Nkondi" were activated by the songs of the "Nganga" in order to awaken their powers, but also by striking at its feet and driving a nail into the wood of the statue. It serves as a mediator between the world of the living and the dead.
The "Nkondi" can take the form of a warrior holding a spear, or, in this case, the form of a dog or "Koso". Generally, this type of statue is bi-headed because for the Kongo, dogs have four eyes, with the power to see beyond the world of the living, and thus to detect people who have bad intentions.
The back is covered with nails.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
1
Material
Wood
Country of origin
Congo
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
63 cm
Width
20 cm
Estimated period
1900-1910
