Corpus (Crucified Christ)

late 1800s-early 1900s

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo or Cabinda, Kongo people

Medium

Copper alloy

Measurements

Overall: 16.5 x 12.5 x 2.5 cm (6 1/2 x 4 15/16 x 1 in.)

Credit Line

René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.445

You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

This figure combines Kongo artists’ attention to symmetry with the Western depiction of Christ, lifeless on the cross.

Description

One of two Christian-inspired objects in the Delenne collection identifying the far-reaching networks of trade, diplomacy, religion, and cross-cultural exchange. Kongo Christian symbols were created as spiritual tools to help explain and alleviate the turbulent situation between Central African religion and Catholicism. This figurine is geometric in style, combining both Christian ideals and preexisting Kongo artistic practices. Its pierced hands and feet link him to crucifixion images.