Seated male figur

Description

wood, kaolin,

Sitting with legs crossed, head resting in right hand. This posture is called “bunzama” among the Bakongo and is associated with prudence. The bracelet on the right wrist and the fez-like headgear “mpu” indicate the depiction of a dignitary.

These figures are usually called “nkisi” (fetish). Other authors relate them to ancestor cults, perhaps having a relic function.