Artwork Page for Corpus (Crucified Christ)

Details / Information for Corpus (Crucified Christ)

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
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
?

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.
Stylized copper figure of Christ with thin arms extended, bent up at the elbows, and bow legs, ankles together. There are holes in the hands, naval, and feet, with the upper right hand broken off. On the face, an oval suggests an open mouth while two circular protrusions convey eyes. A striped band wraps around the head.

Corpus (Crucified Christ)

late 1800s-early 1900s

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

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