Figure masculine magique "nkisi nkondi" · R. D. Congo, Yombe · ID: 3048925
Mark Eglinton, New York, USA
Description
wood, glass, fabric, metal, plant fibre, glass beads, base
This figure is dominated by a relatively large head and glazed eyes with painted pupils. The hanging of colourful fabric strips, strings and paraphernalia is eye-catching, as is the mass-filled tube of fabric around the neck.
The raised right arm of the figure formerly held a spear. Depicted is a man with a threatening gesture, warning his enemies of his power and strength.
A “nkisi” is an object charged with magical substances “bilongo” and inhabited by a powerful spirit. The figurative form of a “nkisi”, called “nkondi”, represents the most powerful form of these magical objects.
The figures were magically charged by the “banganga” (master/ priest of the “minkisi”) and used to protect the members of the community against illness, witchcraft and infertility. They could even be successful in hunting or used in a negative sense, for example to inflict evil on another person. It is believed that the minkondi maintain order in the society.
L’objet Figure masculine magique “nkisi nkondi” avec l’ID d’objet 3048925 a fait partie de la dernière vente aux enchères 98e vente aux enchères dans 26 mars 2022 le Zemanek-Münster Hôtel des ventes. L’objet portant le numéro de lot 326 a atteint un prix de vente de 8 000 €.
Vous trouverez d’autres Figures et autres types d’objets populaires sur nos pages thématiques associées. Notre page sur le thème Art africain pourrait également vous intéresser.