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214
Power Figure "Nkisi"
New
Democratic Republic of the Congo, 25 cm (10")
As already described in catalogue lot 213, power figures known as "Nkisi" served in the traditional religious life of various ethnic groups of the Congo region to protect against illness, evil forces, and harmful influences, as well as to ward off witchcraft. These figures acquired their spiritual potency only through the ritual practices of a traditional healer, known as a "Nganga", who activated them by inserting magical substances and performing the appropriate ceremonies.
The present figure is distinguished by its exceptionally fine and expressive sculptural execution. Particularly remarkable are the numerous handmade brass nails distributed across the head, face, and mouth area, which also surround the opening intended to receive ritual medicinal substances. This unusual surface treatment lends the figure a compelling presence and emphasises its original ritual significance.
Characteristic of this type of figure are the powerfully modelled legs, which are disproportionately large in relation to the upper body. They lend the statuette a remarkable sense of stability and monumentality that extends far beyond its actual dimensions.
The figure stands on an integrally carved base, the underside of which displays age-related traces of insect damage.
The harmonious combination of powerful sculptural forms, meticulously executed details, and extraordinary brass-nail decoration makes this Nkisi a particularly impressive example of the traditional ritual art of the Congo region.
Provenance: Miquel Porta, Spain; Gerhard F. Vesely, Austria.
Estimate: € 1600 - 1800
As already described in catalogue lot 213, power figures known as "Nkisi" served in the traditional religious life of various ethnic groups of the Congo region to protect against illness, evil forces, and harmful influences, as well as to ward off witchcraft. These figures acquired their spiritual potency only through the ritual practices of a traditional healer, known as a "Nganga", who activated them by inserting magical substances and performing the appropriate ceremonies.
The present figure is distinguished by its exceptionally fine and expressive sculptural execution. Particularly remarkable are the numerous handmade brass nails distributed across the head, face, and mouth area, which also surround the opening intended to receive ritual medicinal substances. This unusual surface treatment lends the figure a compelling presence and emphasises its original ritual significance.
Characteristic of this type of figure are the powerfully modelled legs, which are disproportionately large in relation to the upper body. They lend the statuette a remarkable sense of stability and monumentality that extends far beyond its actual dimensions.
The figure stands on an integrally carved base, the underside of which displays age-related traces of insect damage.
The harmonious combination of powerful sculptural forms, meticulously executed details, and extraordinary brass-nail decoration makes this Nkisi a particularly impressive example of the traditional ritual art of the Congo region.
Provenance: Miquel Porta, Spain; Gerhard F. Vesely, Austria.
Estimate: € 1600 - 1800