Kongo / Yombe Couple Power Figure, Congo #988

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  • Kongo / Yombe Couple Power Figure, Congo #998
  • Date/Period: Second half 20th century
  • Male and Female Couple / Pairings are a common and diverse theme in African art, frequently representing Primordial Ancestors, Ideal Social Units, or Spiritual Beings united as Intermediaries to the Spirit World and in Divination. These depictions serve various functions, including reinforcing societal ideals of Fertility and Lineage, acting as powerful Ritual Objects, and commemorating Ancestral Connections to the living community.
  • In the 13th century, the Kongo people, led by their king Ne Kongo, settled in a region at the crossroads of the present-day DRC, Angola and Gabon. Two centuries later, the Portuguese came into contact with the Kongo and converted their King to Christianity. Although Monarchical, the Kongo political system had a democratic aspect because the King was actually placed at the head of the Kingdom following an election held by a council of tribal governors. This King, also called Ntotela, controlled the appointment of court and provincial officials. The Nganga, at the same time healers, were in charge of religious activities and mediation towards the God called Nzambi through consecrated Power Figures called Nkisi.
  • In this delicate and complex sculpture, the Female Figure on the right side has the Bongo (Power Reliquary), or Power Center in her abdomen. A clear reference to the Power of Fertility. Also the beautiful portrayal of the arms embracing in back is profound in it's simplicity to convey the definition of a Couple.
  • Condition is Very Good with very interesting layers of patina, suggesting Ritual Use and Care.
  • Measurements: 12.2 Inch
  • The Kongo People, also known as the Bakongo, are a Bantu-speaking Ethnic Group of approximately 10 million people primarily living in Angola, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Historically, they were a powerful centralized Kingdom, but this Empire eventually fractured due to internal rivalries, external invasions, and Portuguese interference. Today, their Culture includes traditional religions with Ancestor and Spirit Cults, and a rich artistic tradition of Nkisi objects.
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