DR Congo
Opens Thursday
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Bakongo
Material. Wood
Dimension. 30 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This sculpture is a magnificent example of the ritual art of the Yombé people (a sub-group of the Kongo) from the region located between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo-Brazzaville and Angola (Cabinda).
Here is a detailed analysis of this piece, which appears to be a Nkisi (plural: Minkisi):
1. The Nature of the Object: An "Nkisi"
It is a power object, often called Nkisi. In Kongo culture, an Nkisi is not merely a decorative statue, but a receptacle intended to contain spiritual forces.
Role: It was used by a healer or diviner (nganga) to heal diseases, protect a community, or seal oaths.
The ventral cavity: The gaping hole at the abdomen is the central element. Originally, this cavity contained magical and medicinal substances (bilongo), often protected by a piece of glass or a mirror. The mirror symbolically allowed the spirit to see approaching enemies or harm.
2. Iconographic Features
Posture: The figure is seated cross-legged, a position that evokes meditation, dignity and authority. Hands resting on the knees reinforce this calm, contained power.
Face: The features are characteristic of the Yombé style: almond-shaped eyes, a well-defined nose and full lips. The forehead often bears scarifications, signs of social rank or protection.
Headgear: He wears a richly decorated cap (often an mpu), a symbol of a chief or dignitary.
Textile: The presence of cloth or fibers around the neck and shoulders is typical. These additions were made during the object's consecration to "charge" its power.
3. Materials and Patina
Wood: The sculpture is carved from dense wood.
Patina: A brown, crusty and dark patina is observed. This texture results from the repeated application of ritual substances (oils, sacrificial blood, vegetal powders) over generations, testifying to the prolonged use and antiquity of the piece.
In summary
This piece is a Yombé power figure, remarkable for the balance of its proportions and the intensity of its expression. It embodies the connection between the world of the living and that of the ancestors, serving as an intermediary to maintain social and spiritual balance.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Bakongo
Material. Wood
Dimension. 30 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open.
This sculpture is a magnificent example of the ritual art of the Yombé people (a sub-group of the Kongo) from the region located between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo-Brazzaville and Angola (Cabinda).
Here is a detailed analysis of this piece, which appears to be a Nkisi (plural: Minkisi):
1. The Nature of the Object: An "Nkisi"
It is a power object, often called Nkisi. In Kongo culture, an Nkisi is not merely a decorative statue, but a receptacle intended to contain spiritual forces.
Role: It was used by a healer or diviner (nganga) to heal diseases, protect a community, or seal oaths.
The ventral cavity: The gaping hole at the abdomen is the central element. Originally, this cavity contained magical and medicinal substances (bilongo), often protected by a piece of glass or a mirror. The mirror symbolically allowed the spirit to see approaching enemies or harm.
2. Iconographic Features
Posture: The figure is seated cross-legged, a position that evokes meditation, dignity and authority. Hands resting on the knees reinforce this calm, contained power.
Face: The features are characteristic of the Yombé style: almond-shaped eyes, a well-defined nose and full lips. The forehead often bears scarifications, signs of social rank or protection.
Headgear: He wears a richly decorated cap (often an mpu), a symbol of a chief or dignitary.
Textile: The presence of cloth or fibers around the neck and shoulders is typical. These additions were made during the object's consecration to "charge" its power.
3. Materials and Patina
Wood: The sculpture is carved from dense wood.
Patina: A brown, crusty and dark patina is observed. This texture results from the repeated application of ritual substances (oils, sacrificial blood, vegetal powders) over generations, testifying to the prolonged use and antiquity of the piece.
In summary
This piece is a Yombé power figure, remarkable for the balance of its proportions and the intensity of its expression. It embodies the connection between the world of the living and that of the ancestors, serving as an intermediary to maintain social and spiritual balance.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Height
30 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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