Power figure "nkisi" · D. R. Congo, Bakongo / Vili / Yombe · ID: 3045074
Ketterer, Munich, 15 December 1990, lot 355
Henri Schouten, Amsterdam/Los Angeles, The Netherlands/USA (1991)
German Private Collection
Description
wood, glass, resin / wax, rest., base
The figure shows four drilled holes originally serving for attachment of magical loading.
With his left arm planted defiantly on the hip, his right arm is raised aggressively in a fist with raised thumb; it held a removable spear or knife, which is now lost. The sculpture depicts a protective/ aggressive male, simultaneously warning foes of his power and prowess while possessing the ability to confront and destroy malevolent forces.
A man of rank and title, as evidenced by his set of ritually chipped teeth. He probably portrays “ne kongo”, the cultural hero founder of the Kongo kingdom who was a famous hunter and warrior.
The object Power figure “nkisi” with the object ID 3045074 was last part of the auction 101st Auction at November 11, 2023 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 299 achieved a sales price of EUR 3,800.
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.
Comparing literature
Felix, Marc L. (ed.), Kongo Kingdom Art, China 2003, p. 68
Publications
AHDRC: 0019561