Congo. Nkondi Fetish

Spectacular African fetish from Congo called NKONDI height 76cm Former collection of Guy PIAZZINI This hardwood sculpture has an exceptional shiny patina of use in places A good number of nails and irons are embedded in his body that the fetishist (Nganga) has placed in the request of its owner in order to fulfill various oaths or commitments I cannot see what is inserted in the abdomen and also in its back (a shell, a bean, a stone of date-like fruit? act as a beard the sculpture is in good condition except the base which has been attacked by insects I think this sculpture is really very old (possible that it is 19th century) the eyes are in glass on a white base that I cannot be determined The face has been carefully sculpted bracelets carved in the arms scarifications on the sides of the middle of the back the nails of the hands and feet were also sculpted in the mass of the body magn ifique collector's item careful shipment