BAKONGO POWER COLLECTION - Nkisi power figure - Bakongo - DR Congo
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 280 - € 330
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Description from the seller
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 collection, the diversity of silhouettes and the richness of the sculptural treatments make it a particularly evocative presentation of the ritual arts of the Kongo cultural area.
The figures stand out for their expressive faces, abdominal cavities, ligatures, vegetal fibers, textiles, feathers and other attached elements. These characteristics reflect the plastic vocabulary of minkisi (singular: nkisi), sculptures intended to embody a spiritual force or a specific function within Kongo societies. The term nkisi also 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) inserted the bilongo, substances placed in cavities of the body to concentrate a power linked notably to protection, healing, mediation or the maintenance of social order. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
This collection offers a particularly captivating panorama of one of the major sculptural repertoires of Central Africa.
Each statuette will be offered individually at auction, marking its first public presentation in sale, thus giving collectors the opportunity to acquire a work within a highly coherent aesthetic and iconographic ensemble.
Presentation of our house of expertise
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sale house specializes in African art and ethnography. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.
We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
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 packing, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
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 collection, the diversity of silhouettes and the richness of the sculptural treatments make it a particularly evocative presentation of the ritual arts of the Kongo cultural area.
The figures stand out for their expressive faces, abdominal cavities, ligatures, vegetal fibers, textiles, feathers and other attached elements. These characteristics reflect the plastic vocabulary of minkisi (singular: nkisi), sculptures intended to embody a spiritual force or a specific function within Kongo societies. The term nkisi also 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) inserted the bilongo, substances placed in cavities of the body to concentrate a power linked notably to protection, healing, mediation or the maintenance of social order. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
This collection offers a particularly captivating panorama of one of the major sculptural repertoires of Central Africa.
Each statuette will be offered individually at auction, marking its first public presentation in sale, thus giving collectors the opportunity to acquire a work within a highly coherent aesthetic and iconographic ensemble.
Presentation of our house of expertise
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sale house specializes in African art and ethnography. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.
We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
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 packing, insurance and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Details
Indigenous object name
Nkisi power figure
Ethnic group/ culture
Bakongo
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
BAKONGO POWER COLLECTION
Height
28 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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