Zemanek-Münster

Male power figure "nkisi" / nkishi" ·  D. R. Congo, Songe, Kalebwe · ID: 3047018

sold EUR 5,000
Provenance
Maria Wyss, Basel, Switzerland
Size
H: 35 cm / 41,5 cm (with horn)
H: 13.8 inch / 16.3 inch (with horn)

Description

wood, animal horn, pigments, base

This figure shows a beautiful rich, in places slightly sticky sacrificial patina. The antelope horn still sticking in the head symbolizes strength, fertility and abundance. Remains of magical charge “bishimba” has preserved in the abdominal cavity.

This was specially customized by the medicine man “nganga” to the personal needs of the respective client, or his problem or the solution of the same.

These little “nkisi” were made for the private use of an individual and were kept in their owner’s home. In order to motivate the ancestors to provide assistance, suppliants offer prayers and sacrifices to them.


The object Male power figure “nkisi” / nkishi" with the object ID 3047018 was last part of the auction 101st Auction at November 11, 2023 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 334 achieved a sales price of EUR 5,000.

You can find more Figures and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.


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