Figure magique anthropomorphe "nkishi" (pl. "mankishi") · R. D. Congo, Songye · ID: 3052055
Prix d'appel
3 500 €
Prix d'Estimation
5 000 €
Provenance
Johannes & Ursula Kaddatz, Hamburg, GermanyTaille
H: 87,5 cm
100 cm (with horn)
H: 34.4 inch
39.4 inch (with horn)
Description
wood, metal, reptile skin, fabric, glass beads, rest.
These large-scale “mankishi” acted as intermediaries between the spirits of the ancestors and the living. They were believed to benefit the entire community.
The figure still bears some of the paraphernalia with which it was once endowed by the magician and magically charged with accompanying incantations. The eyes are set with cone-shaped metal, forehead and bridge of the nose are covered with copper sheet, and the head is crowned by a “diadem” of metal pieces.