**Originally Listed At $500**
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Songye culture, ca. 1960s CE. A special wooden nkisi (power or fetish) figure, hand-carved from wood that presents with a warm, caramel-hued woodgrain pattern and a nice patina. Kneeling or squatting atop a circular plinth, the stylized figure's long, slender arms hang from his square shoulders, paralleling his narrow torso, and folding together on his lap. His sizable head displays a pair of slender, slanted eyes, a triangular nose, a petite mouth, and a pointed chin, all atop a lengthy neck. A rounded coiffure frames his stylized visage. Nkisi figures were made by a variety of cultures to fight evil spirits, heal sick family members, decide arguments, mark an important occasion or contract, or perform a variety of other tasks. These figures often show signs of use, because a priest or other holy person had to "activate" them using magical substances, like the red clay that fills the apertures in this example's head and chest. Size: 2.25" W x 7.125" H (5.7 cm x 18.1 cm); 7.625" H (19.4 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection, acquired in 2009; ex-San Juan, Puerto Rico collection
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#162800
Condition
Expected surface wear with nicks/chips and abrasions. Otherwise, intact and very nice with a nice age patina.