Large power figure "nkisi/ nkishi" · D. R. Congo, Songe, Eki-Belande · ID: 3046632
not available anymore
Provenance
brought to Antwerp in 1950Kevin Conru, London, Great Britain
Size
H: 102 cm
122 cm (with horn)
H: 40.2 inch
48.0 inch (with horn)
Description
wood, animal horn, glass beads, encrusted patina, insect caused damage, base
This figure was once part of a pair of figures. Its counterpart was auctioned on November 25, 2006, as lot 275 at Zemanek-Münster.
Neyt assigned figures with comparable physiognomy, hairstyle, beard and physique to the Eki-Belande region (cf. Neyt, 2009, p. 66, ill. 25 and 27).
Because of its big size present figure should have once belonged to a village or a community. These sculptures were created mainly for the purpose of promoting the fertility of the people and the soil and to ensure peace in the village.
Comparing literature
Neyt, Francois, The Formidable Statuary of Central Africa, Munich, Berlin, London, New York, 2009