Bakongo - Nkisi fetish figure - Bakongo - DR Congo

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

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

The coherence of the overall set, 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 expressive faces, abdominal cavities, ligatures, plant fibers, textiles, feathers and other attached elements. These features refer to 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 “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 body cavities to concentrate power linked notably to protection, healing, mediation or the maintenance of social order (The Metropolitan Museum of Art).

This collection offers a particularly compelling panorama of one of the major sculptural repertoires of Central Africa.

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

Presentation of our appraisal house

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

We regularly assist with liquidations, estates 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."