Small standing power figure "nkisi"
D. R. Congo, Songye
sold
EUR 2,500
Provenance
Belgian Private CollectionDidier Claes, Brussels, Belgium
Size
H: 12,5 cm
H: 4.9 inch
Description
light brown wood, middle brown patina, pokerwork, typical posture and facial features, applications of copper sheet on nose and temples, hole on top of the head, further holes in shoulder area (with tufts of animal hair inserted) and on the backside, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, base;
metal strips on forehead and nose bridge are said to relate to lightning. Thus on the “nkisi” this facial sign seems to signal its dual capacity to counteract and redirect aggressive action against the evildoer.