Kongo Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Jean-Louis Danis Collection

A compelling anthropomorphic figure from the Kingdom of Kongo (west coast of Central Africa, in present-day DRC), it is shown leaning forward with hands placed akimbo on its hips. These figures of power from Central Africa were designed as vessels for specific mystical forces and were collaborative creations by Kongo sculptors and ritual specialists. This figure originally bore a mirrored box on its abdomen, which contained bilongo (nails, herbs, root extracts, leaf decoctions, ashes, clay, etc.), endowing the sculpture with supernatural powers.