Description
Yombe/Bembe fetish, Democratic Republic of Congo Wood, metal, steel, nails, composite material H. 64 cm Provenance : Paul and Jacqueline Canfère Collection acquired from Jean-Michel Huguenin (according to oral information from descendants). The Kongo peoples, to whom the Yombe and Vili belong, share the stylistic tradition of nkisi-nkondi sculptures (nail fetishes). The presence of metallic elements in the nkisi is mentioned as early as 1686 by Olfert Dapper (1686:336). The power of the multiple and diverse metallic body charges is matched by the massive volumes of the legs and the angular shape of the face. The expression is marked by the eyes set in white, the jaw clearly marked, and the conical headdress. Three diamond-shaped scarifications appear on the face at the temples and in the center of the forehead. Honey patina, crusty and brown in places, rusty metal on which multiple deposits appear.
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Yombe/Bembe fetish, Democratic Republic of Congo Wood, metal, steel, nails, composite material H. 64 cm Provenance : Paul and Jacqueline Canfère Collection acquired from Jean-Michel Huguenin (according to oral information from descendants). The Kongo peoples, to whom the Yombe and Vili belong, share the stylistic tradition of nkisi-nkondi sculptures (nail fetishes). The presence of metallic elements in the nkisi is mentioned as early as 1686 by Olfert Dapper (1686:336). The power of the multiple and diverse metallic body charges is matched by the massive volumes of the legs and the angular shape of the face. The expression is marked by the eyes set in white, the jaw clearly marked, and the conical headdress. Three diamond-shaped scarifications appear on the face at the temples and in the center of the forehead. Honey patina, crusty and brown in places, rusty metal on which multiple deposits appear.
