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Dimitri André

Nkisi statuette
Wood, mirror, iron.  Height: 23 cm. Provenance: private French collection
The Kongo peoples (Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo) share beliefs and traditions that date back to the ancient kingdom of Kongo, which is believed to have been founded about two centuries before the arrival of the Portuguese in 1482. Cult objects called minkisi (sg. nkisi) were considered "fetishes" or "force figures". Despite attacks by the colonial administration and the Catholic Church that burned many of these pieces, indigenous religions continued to exist, adapting their practices and media.
The concept of nkisi occupies a central place in the system of thought of kongo groups; it refers to the forces contained in certain types of objects, conglomerates of minerals, plants, parts of animals, pieces of iron, brass or glass. This notion extends to wooden figures as soon as they incorporate a load. Minkisi are tools created by a sculptor and activated by the nganga, the officiant, to interact on the spiritual and physical worlds. The materials used, the way they are fixed and the gestures of the sculptures translate the power they carry. In addition, there are the words and deeds of the officiant who sets up the therapeutic process allowing an individual who comes to consult him to solve his problems.

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Statue(s) (1) - Wood - NKISI - Bakongo - Congo DRC 

African & Tribal Art

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African & Tribal Art

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Statue(s) (1) - Wood - NKISI - Bakongo - Congo DRC

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