Large power figure "nkisi/ nkishi"
D. R. Congo, Songe, Eki-Belande
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.