BAKONGO POWER COLLECTION - Nkisi power figure - Bakongo - DR Congo

Exceptional collection of nkisi (minkisi) statuettes - BAKONGO POWER

This ensemble brings together a remarkable corpus of statuettes inspired by the Kongo tradition (Bakongo).

The coherence of the set, the diversity of silhouettes, and the richness of the sculptural treatments make for a presentation that is especially evocative of the ritual arts of the Kongo cultural area.

The figures are distinguished by their expressive faces, abdominal cavities, bindings, plant fibers, textiles, feathers and other added elements. These characteristics refer to the plastic vocabulary of the minkisi (singular: nkisi), sculptures intended to embody a spiritual force or a specific function within Kongo societies. The term nkisi moreover goes beyond the Western notion of “fetish.” (Smithsonian National Museum of African Art)

In Kongo tradition, the sculptor shaped the figure before the nganga (ritual specialist) introduced the bilongo into it—substances placed in body cavities to concentrate power linked notably to protection, healing, mediation, or maintaining social order. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

This ensemble offers a particularly appealing panorama of one of Central Africa’s major sculptural repertoires.

Each statuette will be offered individually at auction, marking its first public sale presentation and giving collectors the opportunity to acquire a work within a set of remarkable aesthetic and iconographic coherence.

Overview of our expert house

Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sale specializes in African art and ethnography. A reference seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a history of several hundred sales with an almost 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with private individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with many sales offered without reserve prices.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for further information."} } } } }} } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } } )