Nkisi Nkonde Nail Fetish, Kongo People, Congo, Mid-20th Century

Superb "Nail Fetish" of the Kongo people, Congo, wooden sculpture, Nkisi Nkonde, freehand. Vintage/antique object, 30s-60s, the ventral cavity as well as the eyes are sealed by small panes still intact, behind which we can see a white substance (ritual powder) and black materials for the eyes. This presence, as well as the 2 wads of fabric wrapped around its hips and neck, probably holding herbs and other substances, and which are anointed and covered with coagulated materials, suggest that the object would have been used during traditional rituals and therefore, that it is not an object made solely for its tourist appeal. The fact that the panes are still sealed indicates that it has not been "deactivated" unlike many exported objects of this style, the presence of the bilongo implies that the object has retained its magical charge. The sculpture is quite beautifully made, although less detailed than the 19th century fetishes. The wood has a natural, cracked and dusty patina, a testament to its age. The rare preservation of the bilongo reinforces the ethnographic interest of this example. 29.5cm high, 16-17cm wide, about 12cm deep with the nails. Very good overall condition, some small discreet accidents on the wood, wear of the patina, harmonious whole. Very beautiful piece for the informed collector. About 700gr.