Artwork Page for Male Figurine or Finial

Details / Information for Male Figurine or Finial

Male Figurine or Finial

early 1800s-early 1900s

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (most likely), Cabinda, or Republic of the Congo, probably Yombe people

Medium
Wood
Measurements
Overall: 9.7 x 3.8 x 3.3 cm (3 13/16 x 1 1/2 x 1 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.436
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The stomach cavity was once filled with medicinal substances; once removed, the nkisi figure is considered “decommissioned.”

Description

This figurine or finial may have contained a medicine-filled package on its abdomen. The man seated with his legs crossed and wearing a coiffure of Portuguese inspiration may represent a chief, which was once attached to a scepter or perhaps a flywhisk. Beneath the chief, a child holds onto his back; though such imagery is more typically seen with female sculptures.
A dark brown wood sculpture depicts a squatting figure with a head nearly as big as its body. Reddish highlights gleam on the polished surface. Grooved lines ring the crown above bulbous eyes and a broad, open mouth. One arm bends toward the chest while the other rests on a tucked knee. The figure sits on a small cylindrical base etched with horizontal rings, showing a smooth, weathered texture.

Male Figurine or Finial

early 1800s-early 1900s

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (most likely), Cabinda, or Republic of the Congo, probably Yombe people

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