Figure Bakongo - SOLD OUT
The wooden figure of a male with good, rich patina to the surface. The head is tilted back and to the top of the head is a conical capThe face has arching brows that form an overall heart shape, with almond shaped eyes engraved with the pupil to the centre. The nose is snub shaped with flared nostrils. The mouth has fleshy lips and is large and open displaying a row of teeth. To the neck is a collar necklace. The body is smoothly carved with a large conical opening to the stomach for the insertion of sacred substances. The arms hang to the side of the body with the hands behind the back. The short solid legs stand on a rectangular base with engraved scale pattern to all four sides.
The figures of the Kongo are some of the most recognisable and iconic of African art, and which have inspired collectors for many years. The insertion of sacred substances into the stomach cavity by ritual specialists effectively activates the statue to act on the behalf of the donor. Smaller figures, such as this, act on the behalf of an individual. The actions of the Nkisi figure can be varied according to the demands of the person who has commissioned such a piece, though often it is for the searching out of a person or spiritual force that is believed to have brought misfortune on the individual.
01074
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 23,5 x 8 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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The wooden figure of a male with good, rich patina to the surface. The head is tilted back and to the top of the head is a conical capThe face has arching brows that form an overall heart shape, with almond shaped eyes engraved with the pupil to the centre. The nose is snub shaped with flared nostrils. The mouth has fleshy lips and is large and open displaying a row of teeth. To the neck is a collar necklace. The body is smoothly carved with a large conical opening to the stomach for the insertion of sacred substances. The arms hang to the side of the body with the hands behind the back. The short solid legs stand on a rectangular base with engraved scale pattern to all four sides.
The figures of the Kongo are some of the most recognisable and iconic of African art, and which have inspired collectors for many years. The insertion of sacred substances into the stomach cavity by ritual specialists effectively activates the statue to act on the behalf of the donor. Smaller figures, such as this, act on the behalf of an individual. The actions of the Nkisi figure can be varied according to the demands of the person who has commissioned such a piece, though often it is for the searching out of a person or spiritual force that is believed to have brought misfortune on the individual.