superb statue - Kongo - DRC Congo (No reserve price)

Kongo Vili Statuette
Protective statuette depicted in a kneeling posture, signifying a plea for pardon “fukama ye mooko va bunda.” Polished gilded wood. The Vili, Lari, Sandi, Woyo, Bembe, Bwende, Yombe and the Kongo formed the Kongo group, led by the ntotela king. Their kingdom reached its peak in the 16th century with the trade in ivory, copper, and the slave trade. In the same beliefs and traditions, they produced statuary endowed with gesture codified in relation to their worldview. The nganga sorcerers, both healers, were responsible for religious activities and mediation with the God called Nzambi through these consecrated figures. Aggressive sorcery, kindoki, is the inescapable evil that must be fought. To this end, protective nkisi figures are made and charged by the nganga with all the necessary ingredients to achieve this goal.