Kongo/Yombe ancestral figure - Mayombe - DR Congo

Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Tribe name. Mayombe
Material. Wood
Dimension. 28 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open.

The piece presented is a power statuette, commonly called nkisi (plural minkisi), characteristic of Yombé art, a group belonging to the Kongo cultural area (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Republic of the Congo).
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​Subject and posture: The statuette depicts a seated human figure, in a contemplative or introspective position. The right hand is brought to the chin, while the left hand supports or rests against a prominent central element.
The "charge" (bilongo): At the level of the abdomen, there is a rough, textured circular mass, which constitutes the magical or medicinal "charge", called bilongo. These substances are essential to the statue's function, as they are believed to confer upon the nkisi its spiritual and protective powers. At the center of this mass, one can glimpse an insert, probably a mirror or a shard of glass, often used in these objects to represent the eye of the world of spirits.
Details of the face and head: The face features precisely carved traits. The eyes are inlaid, giving them a vivid and expressive appearance. The top of the head is flattened and has several small metal nails driven into the wood, a common practice on many minkisi to "activate" the object's power or seal a transaction or oath. Metal inserts are also seen on the forehead.
This type of object is not a mere sculptural representation, but an active ritual tool, designed to protect the community, cure illnesses, guarantee justice, or resolve conflicts through a healer or diviner (nganga)