Animalier statuette - Kongo monkey - DR Congo
02
days
16
hours
36
minutes
29
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 137727 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Material: Wood
Dimension: 40 cm
Shipping mode: Colissimo within 24-48h, open.
This decorative wooden carved statuette is a classic and powerful representation of Kongo art (originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, or the Republic of the Congo). It features a monkey, probably a chimpanzee or a gorilla, in a highly symbolic posture.
Here is a detailed analysis of this piece:
1. Symbolism and Posture
The monkey holds a special place in Kongo cosmogony. Unlike Western interpretations, it is often seen as a mediator between the world of the living and that of ancestors or spirits.
The hand to the mouth: This pose, often called "the thinker" in other contexts, symbolizes wisdom, reflection, or sacred silence. It may also indicate that the entity is "eating" or absorbing magical substances to protect its owner.
The drum: The animal appears to be holding or sitting behind a drum. In Kongo culture, the drum is not just an instrument; it is a tool for communicating with the beyond. The rhythm calls the spirits.
2. Physical Characteristics and Materials
The Eyes: The use of shell fragments or white porcelain for the eyes is typical of Kongo art. The white (mpemba) evokes the realm of the dead and the statue’s ability to "see" into the invisible world.
Additional Elements: Notable are strands or fibers around the neck and base, as well as a small fragment (perhaps glass or a mirror) on the top of the skull. These elements were often used to seal magical charges (bilongo).
3. Function: A power object
This type of statuette generally belongs to the Minkisi (plural of Nkisi) category.
An Nkisi is a receptacle for a spiritual force. It was used by a diviner or healer (Nganga) to solve social problems, heal illnesses, or protect against malevolent forces.
In summary
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Material: Wood
Dimension: 40 cm
Shipping mode: Colissimo within 24-48h, open.
This decorative wooden carved statuette is a classic and powerful representation of Kongo art (originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, or the Republic of the Congo). It features a monkey, probably a chimpanzee or a gorilla, in a highly symbolic posture.
Here is a detailed analysis of this piece:
1. Symbolism and Posture
The monkey holds a special place in Kongo cosmogony. Unlike Western interpretations, it is often seen as a mediator between the world of the living and that of ancestors or spirits.
The hand to the mouth: This pose, often called "the thinker" in other contexts, symbolizes wisdom, reflection, or sacred silence. It may also indicate that the entity is "eating" or absorbing magical substances to protect its owner.
The drum: The animal appears to be holding or sitting behind a drum. In Kongo culture, the drum is not just an instrument; it is a tool for communicating with the beyond. The rhythm calls the spirits.
2. Physical Characteristics and Materials
The Eyes: The use of shell fragments or white porcelain for the eyes is typical of Kongo art. The white (mpemba) evokes the realm of the dead and the statue’s ability to "see" into the invisible world.
Additional Elements: Notable are strands or fibers around the neck and base, as well as a small fragment (perhaps glass or a mirror) on the top of the skull. These elements were often used to seal magical charges (bilongo).
3. Function: A power object
This type of statuette generally belongs to the Minkisi (plural of Nkisi) category.
An Nkisi is a receptacle for a spiritual force. It was used by a diviner or healer (Nganga) to solve social problems, heal illnesses, or protect against malevolent forces.
In summary
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Animalier statuette - Kongo monkey
Height
40 cm
Sold by
