Power figure "nkisi" · D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3040518

Name: Power figure "nkisi"
SKU: 3040518
Price: 5000 EUR
Availability: SoldOut

sold EUR 5,000

Provenance

German Private Collection, Berlin

Size

H: 45 cm

H: 17.7 inch

Description

wood, brown patina, remains of plant fibres, metal tags, neck rings from brass, the face stud with copper strips, the head crowned by animal horn, typical posture, rising from cylindrical base, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion;
among the Songe the most elaborate public rituals were organized on the day of the first quarter of a lunar cycle. The new moon signalled new life, fertility, and wealth, and was therefore associated with both the human life-cycle and the agricultural calendar. The spirits of the dead were venerated at this ritual time and all “mankisi” were recharged. The animal horn symbolizes power, fertility and fecundity.

The object Power figure “nkisi” with the object ID 3040518 was last part of the auction 83rd Tribal Art Auction at May 28, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 460 achieved a sales price of EUR 5,000.

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