Bakongo - Nkisi fetish figure - Bakongo - DR Congo

Continuation and conclusion of our exceptional collection of nkisi (minkisi) figures - BAKONGO POWER

This set gathers a remarkable corpus of statues inspired by the Kongo (Bakongo) tradition.

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

The figures are distinguished by 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 goes beyond the Western notion of a “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 maintaining social order. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

This collection offers a particularly seductive overview of one of the major sculptural repertoires of Central Africa.

Each statuette will be offered at auction individually, marking its first public sale presentation, thus giving collectors the opportunity to acquire a work within a remarkably coherent aesthetic and iconographic ensemble.

Introducing our appraisal house

Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we benefit from a solid reputation and a record of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly assist with liquidations, successions, and dispersal of collections, in collaboration with 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 is guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.