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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most Antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia.  For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

#162800

  • Condition: Expected surface wear with nicks/chips and abrasions. Otherwise, intact and very nice with a nice age patina.

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July 8, 2021 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