A Kongo Figure, "nkisi" (barely used)

Sitting male figure, "nkisi" (hardly used) Congo, DR Congo ohne Sockel / without base Wood, ceramic. H 23 cm. Provenance: - According to inventory note: Galerie Jean-Pierre Lepage (1921-1994), Brussels, Belgium. - Georges-Jacques Haefeli (1934-2010), La Chaux-de-Fonds (1980). - Christian Zingg (1956-2023), La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland (2021). Published: Lehuard, Raoul (1987). Arnouville: Arts d'Afrique Noire. No. 64, 1987, page 47, bottom (library view). The Congo Empire, in what is now the Republic of Congo and Angola, is described as early as the first Portuguese travelogues of the 15th century as a grouping of peoples subject to the central, spiritual authority of a monarch (ntotila). Today, we distinguish more than 15 ethnic groups in this area, including the Vili, Bembe and Woyo. Magical figures of the Congo are commonly referred to as nkisi (plural: minkisi). When these are depicted in human form, they are powerful ancestors who were respected for their social authority during their lifetime and whose influence continues to have a direct impact on society after their passing. Further reading: Lehuard, Raoul (1989). Art Bakongo. Arnouville: Art d'Afrique Noire. --------------------------------------------------------------- Homage to Christian Zingg After his studies at the University of Neuchâtel, Christian Zingg (1956-2023) embarked on a career as a mathematics and physics teacher in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The overwhelming number of his former students and colleagues who attended his funeral shows the extent to which he was appreciated as a teacher there. His interest in art and its history manifested itself in various directions: At the height of his career, he purchased the Villa Jaquemet in his hometown, built by Le Corbusier in 1908. Before that, Christian had embarked on a long journey as a collector, initially turning to ancient coins. As a scientist who wanted to get to the bottom of things, he quickly trained in reading coin inscriptions and eventually became a specialist in Roman numismatics. Among other things, he co-authored the 468-page work "Les empereurs romains," which was published in 1994 and reprinted in 2009. Due to health problems, he decided to retire early and devote himself to his family and his passions. With a marked generosity towards his relatives and friends and an always open mind to new cultural horizons, he had started in 2016 with a collection of African art that very quickly led him, in his unquenchable thirst for knowledge, to seek information from the best sources, build a library, browse museums and visit auctions and fairs, not forgetting the Puces de Lyon, where he loved to stroll in search of unique finds. His passion never left him until the last moment, not even when he was lying in bed not far from his home, wishing that his relatives would bring him some of his favorite pieces, which he found difficult to part with. (François Mottas) CHF 1 000 / 2 000 Vertical gap (front center from base to neck and entire right side of head) filled with synthetic material. "Eyes" possibly replaced. Vertical gap (front center from base to neck and entire right side of head) filled with synthetic material. "Eyes" possibly replaced. ------------------------------------ The condition (wear, eventual cracks, tear, other imperfections and the effects of aging etc. if applicable) of this lot is as visible on the multiple photos we have uploaded for your documentation. Please feel free to contact Hammer Auctions for all questions you might have regarding this lot ([email protected]). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Hammer Auctions is here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Hammer Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item. ------------------------------------ The condition (any wear, signs of use, cracks, any other deterioration and the signs of age etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. Hammer Auctions will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this item ([email protected]). Any statements regarding the condition of the items made as a matter of fact to prospective buyers are opinions only and should not be treated as statements of fact. Hammer Auctions assumes no ve