This is the rating and price for Yombe / Vili Wood & Iron Nkisi Figure, 2000

Description : Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yombe or Vili peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A lovely hand-carved wooden power figure known as an nkisi nkondi (literally translated as spirit hunter), carved in the likeness of a human being which symbolizes its purpose in being an arbiter for settling disputes between individuals. The figure stands nude with broad feet upon an integral octagonal plinth, has a forward-leaning pose with a waist wrapped in a woven cord and cinched with a shell bead, and has rounded shoulders above the lightly-rounded chest which is pierced with a quartet of small iron nails. The face is exceptionally well-carved with pouty lips with a recessed philtrum, tapering cheeks, a slender nose with flared nostrils, cupped ears, and ovoid eyes inlaid with small clear glass fragments. The tall brow traces upwards to a bound coiffure incised with intricate linear motifs, and the entire figure is covered in lustrous coffee-hued patina. Size: 2.75 W x 8.5 H (7 cm x 21.6 cm), 11.75 H (29.8 cm) on included custom stand. Power figures like this have traditionally been used during judicial procedures of many Kongolese peoples including the Yombe and Vili. In addition to settling legal disputes, nkisi nkondi have traditionally been used to protect a village, demonstrate innocence or guilt, heal the ill, and put an end to disasters. The types of nails or blades used reflects the kind of agreement made or the severity of the offense. This particular example is very dramatic. The visage is quite expressive, peering out from glassy eyes which represent the other world where spirits of the deceased reside and a closed mouth, suggesting that it will never reveal the secrets of those it has helped. Said spirits are thought to peer through the eyes and identify enemies and guilty parties, hence the name spirit hunter. For a stylistically-similar example from the Vili, please see: Bacquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa: Surveying Africa's Artistic Geography. Thames & Hudson, New York, 2000, pp. 128-129, fig. 8. Another stylistically-similar example without iron nails hammered for EUR 11,250 ($12,592.27) at Christie's, Paris Art Africain et Oceanien auction (sale 1053, December 13, 2011, lot 301): Provenance: private Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, USA collection, ex-private San Francisco, California, USA collection, ex-David Blackhurst collection, ex-Cornette de Saint Cyr auction, Paris, France, ex-private old French 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. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #144554
Price: 6 847.50 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 5000 USD-7000 USD It's free to register now to view!

Details