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African & Tribal Art :
Kongo, Yombe : Yombe Wooden Nkisi Sculpture
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Yombe Wooden Nkisi Sculpture - PF.3115
Origin: Northwestern Congo
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
27" (68.6cm) high
Collection: African
Medium: Sacrificial Material
$9,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This large "Nkisi" statue is of particular interest.
The face and body have been sensitively
rendered in exceptional detail. The original body
adornment and surface patination are not
commonly found in sculpture of this type. Also
noteworthy is the unique headdress of woven
fiber, (at one time it may have contained an
elaborate feather array), in contrast to the more
common resin cap with embedded vertical
feathers.
The sculpture is basically a benevolent magical
figure capable of coping with evil and bringing
health and well being to those who follow its
rituals. The figure has the characteristic square
mirrored resin box on its abdomen, ( although it
now is missing the mirror which at one time
covered the fetish material), nails driven into the
body inlaid eyes, (the glass inlays are now
missing), and attached bone offerings.
Although the stylistic characteristics of this
figure are also found among the Vili, it is likely
that it comes from the Yombe.
- (PF.3115)
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