Menu
EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THBNkisi Power Figure with Two Heads, Bakongo People, DR Congo/Zaire
Lot 122
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$3,000 - $4,000
Absentee vs Live bid
Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $20,000 | $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $2,500 |
| $100,000 | $500,000 |
About Auction
Live
By 500 Gallery
Oct 26, 2022
Set Reminder
2022-10-26 17:30:00
2022-10-26 17:30:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Connoisseur's Collection: African Tribal Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/500-gallery/connoisseurs-collection-african-tribal-art-10764
African tribal sculptures and masks from the late 1800's through the mid 20th century. Rare masterpiece examples of Bangwa, Dogon, Baule, Ibibio, Yoruba, Bakongo and Senufo art gathered over the past decades. The selection is from the private collection of Massachusetts Gentlemen. 500 Gallery info@500gallery.com
African tribal sculptures and masks from the late 1800's through the mid 20th century. Rare masterpiece examples of Bangwa, Dogon, Baule, Ibibio, Yoruba, Bakongo and Senufo art gathered over the past decades. The selection is from the private collection of Massachusetts Gentlemen. 500 Gallery info@500gallery.com
View Full Catalog (91)
- Lot Description
African Tribal Art: Bakongo people, Democratic Republic of Congo: A large Nkisi n'kondi Power Figure with Two Heads, made of carved wood with nails, metal blades, fabric, pigments, animal horn, glass, shells and other natural materials. Mid 20th Century. The unusual feature of two heads indicates that the n'kisi has the power to see in to the world of the living and the land of the dead, and is therefore extremely effective and powerful.
A n'kisi (plural: minkisi) is loosely translated as a "spirit" yet it is represented as a container of sacred substances which are activated by supernatural forces that can be summoned into the physical world. This n'kisi has a glass-covered container for such elements in its torso. eyes are also covered with glass, enhancing the figure's other-worldly appearance.
Nkisi n'kondi
A Nkisi n'kondi (power figure) is a magical charm carved in the likeness of human being, meant to highlight its function in human affairs. A n'kisi n'kondi can be used to resolve verbal disputes or lawsuits (mambu) as well as to be an avenger (the term n'kondi means ‘hunter’) or guardian if sorcery or any form of evil has been committed.
Minkisi are carved under the divine authority and in consultation with an nganga or spiritual specialist. The nganga activates the figures through the insertion of nails, chanting, praying and the preparation of sacred substances which are aimed at ‘curing’ physical, social or spiritual ailments.
Comparable, but smaller, Nkisi N'Kondi figures are illustrated in Robbins and Nooter, AFRICAN ART IN AMERICAN COLLECTIONS, Page 369, plates 954 and 955.
Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private collection, New York
Dimensions: 35"H x 16"W x 12"DGood condition, showing age. The base had insect damage, now repaired with a modern filler. Please inspect the photos and videos, which supplement the written description and show the condition of this lot.Condition
***VIDEO: To see a 3D video of this item, copy and paste the link below into your search browser:
https://youtu.be/taPtxOOQfyI
NOTE: If documentation is not listed, the lot is sold without documents.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions prior to bidding. Color fidelity of photos presented is not guaranteed. Lack of a condition statement does not imply that a lot is perfect. Please examine photos, read descriptions, and contact the Gallery with any questions prior to bidding. All sales are final. Winning bidders will be sent invoices from our gallery. Credit cards are accepted for invoices under $1000. Higher amounts must be paid by e-check or wire transfer. - Shipping Info
-
500 Gallery offers in-house shipping for most items. Shipping cost will be listed on your invoice. Please inquire ahead of the auction if you're unsure as to potential shipping costs or to retrieve a shipping estimate/quote.
-
- Payment & Auction Policies
-
Available payment options
-
-
- Buyer's Premium
