Africa, Coastal Gabon/Democratic Republic of the Congo, Loango, Yombe, or Vili peoples, early 20th century. A wonderful colonial era example of a magical nkisi figure - likely a portrait of a chief wearing European dress (shorts) - carved from heavy hardwood and presenting fetish material - black fibrous material - in the chest covered by a piece of reflective mirror. Similarly, there is a cavity filled with material on the back of the head, one on the base between his feet, and one in his left grip. The figure also holds a large shield in his right hand, and raises his left hand in a clenched fist. The face is delineated naturalistically with finely rendered features and smooth contours topped by a tight fitting cap or band. His pose is also quite natural, with parted legs, a slight forward lean, as if peering into the distance. Size: 14" H (35.6 cm)

Contributing even more to the piece's allure is the immense attention to detail: nice white dots delineated in oil paint adorn his chest; the shield is incised with horizontal and diagonal lines and more white dots decorate its surface. Liberal palm oil was used to enhance the eyes, and the wood has developed a shiny aged patina over the years.

Power figures like this have traditionally been used during judicial procedures of the Bakongo peoples. In addition to settling legal disputes, nkisi nkondi have traditionally been used to protect a village, demonstrate innocence or guilt, heal the ill, and put an end to disasters. The types of nails or blades used reflects the kind of agreement made or the severity of the offense.

Beyond this, Nkisi Nkondi derive their spiritual powers from the medicinal powers deposited in cavities, either the stomach or the head of such figures. The Bakongo peoples believe in the deity Ne Kongo who presented the first sacred medicine (or nkisi) from the celestial realm in an earthenware vessel that he carefully placed upon three termite mounds or stones. Nkisi generally translates as "spirit" and manifests in a container of sacred medicines or substances that are thought to be catalyzed by the supernatural when summoned into the earthly world. Oftentimes an nkisi manifests as a modest bundle; however, carved wooden figures like this marvelous example are more impressive visual manifestations.

Provenance: ex Bart Family Collection, New York City and Florida, USA, collected since the 1950s

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.

#151221

Old loss to the back of the integral base. Stress crack to the base, stabilized on bottom. Slight loss to the left periphery of the shield. All bishimba are in place, but missing a lance or spear once held in the left hand.