Nkishi" protection fetish with horn. Songye, DRC. Carved wood, metal and horn. Around 1930. H 23cm. Base included: 30 cm. This type of fetish is one of the most prized in Africa. The large ones are the collective property of a whole village while the smaller ones belong to an individual or a family. The Nkisi plays the role of mediator between gods and men. Provenance: Bertz gallery collection, USA. Private collection Basel, Switzerland. Acquired during BRUNEAF summer 2012. Collection of Dr Smitz, Belgium. A certificate from M Humblet accompanies this work.

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