刚果孔戈/扬贝祖先像 - Mayombe - 剛果民主共和國

Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Name of the tribe. Mayombe
Material. Wood
Dimension. 28 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h, please open.

The piece presented is a power statuette, commonly called nkisi (plural minkisi), characteristic of Yombé art, a group belonging to the Kongo cultural area (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Republic of the Congo).
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​Subject and posture : The statuette represents a seated human figure, in a contemplative or introspective pose. The right hand is brought to the chin, while the left hand supports or rests against a prominent central element.
The "charge" (bilongo) : At the level of the abdomen, there is a rough, textured circular mass, which constitutes the magical or medicinal "charge", called bilongo. These substances are essential to the function of the statuette, as they are believed to confer on the nkisi its spiritual powers and protective properties. In the center of this mass, one can guess an insert, probably a mirror or a shard of glass, often used in these objects to represent the eye of the spirit world.
Details of the face and head: The face shows precisely carved features. The eyes are inlaid, giving them a lively and expressive appearance. The top of the head is flattened and bears several small metal nails driven into the wood, a common practice on many minkisi to "activate" the object's power or seal a transaction or oath. Metal inserts are also noticed on the forehead.
This type of object is not merely a sculptural representation, but an active ritual tool, designed to protect the community, heal diseases, guarantee justice or resolve conflicts through a healer or diviner (nganga).