Nkisi Bayombe (Fetish)

Nkisi Bayombe Statuette
Wood, nails, fabrics, various objects and magical substances

Height: 30 cm
Lower Congo, mid-20th century

Rare and exceptional Bayombe fetish, the belly supports a load closed by a mirror now patinated. Two wooden rods hang at its neck.
Rare for sale, the contents of its ventral load are impressive

Among the Bayombe people, Nkisi play a central role in daily life. These magical-religious statues, used for divination, protection or cursing, are arguably today one of the most emblematic forms of Sub-Saharan African art.

This statuette comes from a French collection “Mr Jean Louis VIOT,” of which I only know that most of the objects were acquired since the 1980s. Judging by its style and patina, it was presumably made in the 1950s.

Shipping by Colissimo with signature