African Bakongo Wood Nkisi Nkondi (Power Figure)
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Description
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bakongo peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden power figure, called a nkisi nkondi, their magic stems from materials often deposited in cavities - this figure has a box carved into the chest with a plate of glass over the opening. Vegetal fiber ropes, a dried gourd, and several nails have been attached over time. One hand is upraised holding a wooden spear, and the face is naturalistic with the remains of white and blue pigments on the surface. Spirits are thought to use these nkisi nkondi carvings to watch people, and these figures have traditionally been used to guide judgements of innocence or guilt. Nails are driven in to the surface to represent an occasion when two or more parties met to come to an agreement or solved a problem that had troubled villagers. In addition to settling disputes and helping pass judgements on crimes, nkisi nkondi have traditionally been used as village protectors and healers. Size with gourd: 5.75" L x 10" W x 23.5" H (14.6 cm x 25.4 cm x 59.7 cm)
Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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#122132
Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#122132
Condition
Stable pressure fissures and wear throughout. Old insect holes and wear to the surfaces. Loss to glass pane inserted on the front (edges are not sharp). Flaking and losses to surface layers throughout. Fading to pigments. Tearing and fraying to ropes. Fair condition.
Buyer's Premium
- 27.5%
African Bakongo Wood Nkisi Nkondi (Power Figure)
Estimate $600 - $900
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Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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Auction Curated By
Owner/Executive Director, Antiquities & Pre-Columbian Art
PhD. Art History, Director, Fine & Visual Arts
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