Kongo Nkisi Fetish - DR Congo
02
days
17
hours
42
minutes
41
seconds
Current bid
€ 30
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
 | €30 | |
|---|---|---|
| €25 | |
| €20 | |
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This 28 cm Kongo nkisi figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating to the mid-20th century, is made of wood, glass, plant fibres, textiles, feathers and other applied elements and comes from a private collection.
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Description from the seller
Kongo Nkisi Figure
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Beautiful brown satin patina
Wood, glass, plant fibers, textiles, feathers and other attached elements
Beautiful expression, taut face with open mouth and eyes inset with glass; feet firmly planted on its base, with two distinct bundles, one attached to the back and the other containing feathers in a roll of fabric at the front of the figure
These characteristics reflect the visual vocabulary of minkisi (singular: nkisi), sculptures intended to embody a spiritual force or a specific function within Kongo societies. The term nkisi also goes beyond the Western notion of a “fetish.” (Smithsonian National Museum of African Art)
In the Kongo tradition, the sculptor carved the figure before the nganga (ritual specialist) inserted the bilongo, substances placed in cavities in the body to concentrate a power associated notably with protection, healing, mediation, or the maintenance of social order. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Clear signs of use
Presumed age: mid-20th century.
Height : 28 cm
The photos are part of the description
Insured shipping by registered mail with tracking number
Kongo Nkisi Figure
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Beautiful brown satin patina
Wood, glass, plant fibers, textiles, feathers and other attached elements
Beautiful expression, taut face with open mouth and eyes inset with glass; feet firmly planted on its base, with two distinct bundles, one attached to the back and the other containing feathers in a roll of fabric at the front of the figure
These characteristics reflect the visual vocabulary of minkisi (singular: nkisi), sculptures intended to embody a spiritual force or a specific function within Kongo societies. The term nkisi also goes beyond the Western notion of a “fetish.” (Smithsonian National Museum of African Art)
In the Kongo tradition, the sculptor carved the figure before the nganga (ritual specialist) inserted the bilongo, substances placed in cavities in the body to concentrate a power associated notably with protection, healing, mediation, or the maintenance of social order. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Clear signs of use
Presumed age: mid-20th century.
Height : 28 cm
The photos are part of the description
Insured shipping by registered mail with tracking number
Details
Indigenous object name
Kongo Nkisi Fetish
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Height
28 cm
Provenance
Private collection
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