Description:

**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.

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August 18, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000