Ndop Kuba fetish statue, DRC. - Lot 192

Ndop Kuba fetish statue, DRC. Ndop carving illustrating African Kuba art. Of divine origin for his subjects, the king is shown seated cross-legged. As head of both the kingdom and the Bushoong chieftaincy, "nyim", supernatural abilities derived from sorcery or the ancestors were attributed to him. He ensured his subjects' survival, whether through harvests, rain or the birth of children. However, these magical attributes were not hereditary. The sculpture has been fitted with cavities for "bilongo" magic charges. Satin mahogany patina. Cracks 37 x 12 cm During the last days of the king's life, the commemorative statue was placed at his bedside to capture his vital energy, as the object would outlive him. According to Cornet (1982), these statues were intended for the sovereign's widows, as after the funeral, the ndop was installed in the harem. Once the successor to the throne had been chosen, he or she would isolate himself or herself with the statue in order to draw on its accumulated energy and, in turn, pass it on to his or her subjects. This sculpture reflects this tradition, with the sovereign carrying on his lap a miniature carved "ndop" embodying his predecessor.