20th Century Power Figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Item Details

Unknown
Untitled
Carved wooden statue with nails and glass
Unsigned

A 20th century power figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This striking figure features a central compartment to hold medicine or magical objects and is covered by glass. The figure’s protruding tongue mimic the protruding nails, which represent prayers to the fetish spirit. This fetish would have been used as an accessory by a priest or soothsayer to help an individual or a group with sickness or to ward off evil. A similar figure is in the Quai Branly Museum in Paris.

Condition

- insect damage to wood; dust and debris; nails are missing; spear or lance is missing; paint loss.

Dimensions

Item #

18DCC450-002