Kongo bronze statuette - Lot 186

Kongo bronze statuette This small anthropomorphic African bronze sculpture is a miniature version of the canons of Kongo statuary, and more specifically of the funerary statues of theinyongo or mintadi of Lower Zaire, which were made of stone and represented a variety of themes through figures frozen in various attitudes. These figures represent the vital incarnation of a spirit or ancestor. 11 x 3 cm Sold without base The Vili, Lâri, Sûndi, Woyo, Bembé, Bwende, Yombé and Kôngo formed the Kôngo group, led by King Ntotela. Their kingdom reached its apogee in the 16th century with the ivory and copper trade and the slave trade. With the same beliefs and traditions, they produced statuary with codified gestures in line with their worldview. Nganga sorcerers, who were also healers, were in charge of religious activities and mediation towards the God called Nzambi through consecrated figures. To this end, individual nkisis protective figures, to guard against witchcraft and various plagues, are made and charged by the nganga with all the ingredients necessary to achieve this goal.