African graffiti figures; funeral figurine; “Thinkers' Watchers” - DR Congo (No reserve price)
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The 15 soapstone Mintadi (Ntadi) figures, titled “Afrikaanse graffiguren; begrafenisbeeldje; ‘Denkers wakers’”, are from DR Congo, date to the early 19th century and come from a private collection.
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Description from the seller
Due to tribal wars in the border region between Congo and Angola, these sculptures were shipped by Benedictine missionaries in the 1960s–1970s from Zaire – Kinshasa, Republic – Congo (Congolese population) to the Maria-Toevlucht Abbey in Zundert. In the 1980s, acquired from my father.
They are so-called Mintadi (Ntadi) – Bitumba figures,
Also known as African figural sculptures; funerary figurine; “Thinkers/Watchers.” Made of soapstone.
Legs crossed in a seated position, a contemplative meditation pose.
Gifts placed by the community for respected elders. They had a role of protection and guardianship. In the culture of the Congo people this signifies contact between the living and the dead (spirits). An embodiment of a deceased person takes the form of a thinking figure, often with his left hand pressed to his cheek. Their posture expresses the concern of someone who is responsible for the future of his family, clan, or lineage. They retain magical powers.
There are 15 different ones in the auction, see the last photo.
In 1996 from my father’s estate. Over the years, piece by piece purchased at the Maria Abbey - Toevlucht, Rucphenseweg 38, 4882 KC Zundert.
Due to tribal wars in the border region between Congo and Angola, these sculptures were shipped by Benedictine missionaries in the 1960s–1970s from Zaire – Kinshasa, Republic – Congo (Congolese population) to the Maria-Toevlucht Abbey in Zundert. In the 1980s, acquired from my father.
They are so-called Mintadi (Ntadi) – Bitumba figures,
Also known as African figural sculptures; funerary figurine; “Thinkers/Watchers.” Made of soapstone.
Legs crossed in a seated position, a contemplative meditation pose.
Gifts placed by the community for respected elders. They had a role of protection and guardianship. In the culture of the Congo people this signifies contact between the living and the dead (spirits). An embodiment of a deceased person takes the form of a thinking figure, often with his left hand pressed to his cheek. Their posture expresses the concern of someone who is responsible for the future of his family, clan, or lineage. They retain magical powers.
There are 15 different ones in the auction, see the last photo.
In 1996 from my father’s estate. Over the years, piece by piece purchased at the Maria Abbey - Toevlucht, Rucphenseweg 38, 4882 KC Zundert.
Details
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Early 19th century
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
African graffiti figures; funeral figurine; “Thinkers' Watchers”
Height
23 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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