Bakongo fetishes - DR Congo (No reserve price)





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Fétiches bakongo, a wooden statue from the Bakongo tradition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 38 cm wide, sold with a stand and in good condition.
Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Bakongo
Material. Wood, nails
Dimensions. 38 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, open
Decorative statue belonging to the Bakongo (or Kongo) tradition, originating from the Congo Basin region (DR Congo, Republic of the Congo, and Angola).
This is a fetish statue or power figure, often associated with protective, justice, or spiritual mediation functions.
Description morphologique et stylistique
Posture and stance: The sculpture depicts a figure seated on a chair or pedestal. Its right hand rests on its cheek or chin, a classic posture in Kongo art evoking reflection, meditation, mourning, or wisdom (ntul kuwa or figure of the thinker/melancholic).
Attributes and ritual charges:
The body and back of the figure are covered with twisted fabric strips, cords, and plant fibers tied around the waist and chest.
Metal elements are visible (old nails, pieces of iron or iron spikes), recalling the use of nkisi nkondi (nail fetishes), where each nail sealed an oath, pact, or spiritual invocation.
Visage et expression: The face features expressive traits with a domed forehead, inlaid or ringed eyes, and a slightly open mouth that heightens the dramatic and introspective intensity of the piece.
This type of sculpture served as a receptacle for spiritual forces, activated and consulted by the diviner-healer (nganga) to resolve conflicts or protect the community.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Bakongo
Material. Wood, nails
Dimensions. 38 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, open
Decorative statue belonging to the Bakongo (or Kongo) tradition, originating from the Congo Basin region (DR Congo, Republic of the Congo, and Angola).
This is a fetish statue or power figure, often associated with protective, justice, or spiritual mediation functions.
Description morphologique et stylistique
Posture and stance: The sculpture depicts a figure seated on a chair or pedestal. Its right hand rests on its cheek or chin, a classic posture in Kongo art evoking reflection, meditation, mourning, or wisdom (ntul kuwa or figure of the thinker/melancholic).
Attributes and ritual charges:
The body and back of the figure are covered with twisted fabric strips, cords, and plant fibers tied around the waist and chest.
Metal elements are visible (old nails, pieces of iron or iron spikes), recalling the use of nkisi nkondi (nail fetishes), where each nail sealed an oath, pact, or spiritual invocation.
Visage et expression: The face features expressive traits with a domed forehead, inlaid or ringed eyes, and a slightly open mouth that heightens the dramatic and introspective intensity of the piece.
This type of sculpture served as a receptacle for spiritual forces, activated and consulted by the diviner-healer (nganga) to resolve conflicts or protect the community.

