Lot 404

Kongo Nkisi Power Figure | Ex-Art Institute Chicago, 1991

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Kongo Nkisi Power Figure | Ex-Art Institute Chicago, 1991

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500

Starting Bid: $500

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
June 12, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Democratic Republic of Congo / northern Angola, late 19th - early 20th century. A nkisi power figure, Kongo peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo / Republic of Congo, early to mid-20th century. The standing male figure is carved in dense hardwood with a deep red-brown burnished patina. The face is sensitively modelled with downcast eyes and a composed expression characteristic of Kongo figural carving. The coiffure is rendered with fine incised detail. The abdominal cavity — now empty — once contained bilongo (medicine), the activated charge of organic and symbolic materials that transformed the carved figure into a living nkisi, a vessel of spiritual power capable of healing, protection, and the enforcement of oaths. The figure stands on an integral tiered oval base. Size: 10.75”H (27.3cm).

Provenance: Gift of Izzeddine Azhari to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1991; deaccessioned by the Art Institute of Chicago.

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Item # 71625

  • Condition: Minor hairline age crack.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000