N'kisi fetish represented in the telema lumba-nganga attitud - Lot 330

N'kisi fetish represented in the telema lumba-nganga attitude (sacred attitude, sign of authority). This authority is accentuated by the right arm brandishing a spear, which has now disappeared. The power of this fetish is increased tenfold by the double charge emerging from the top of the head and the abdomen. The charge on the head, containing various minerals and plants, is flanked by palm spikes, while the belly supports a charge closed by a mirror and surrounded by bamboo. The face features a mouth showing teeth, while the large open eyes are set in glass. These objects are ambivalent and multifunctional: they both aggress and protect. Wood with brown patina, glass, bamboo, plants. Height: 30 cm. Ancient Kongo kingdom. Republic of Congo. Yombé ethnic group. Early 20th century. Purchased on the Paris market in 1981. Published in: Raoul Lehuard, "Art Bakongo" 1989. Tome 2, page 599.