NKISI
NKISI
Polychrome Kongo nkisi nkonde statuette with a double head of a dog and a crocodile.
20th century.Length: 64 cm.Heavy wood covered with a thick, crusty patina.The body is massive. The animal appears menacing, in an attacking stance, its jaws slightly parted, ready to devour and tear apart its prey. The artistic fusion of a crocodile’s jaws and a dog’s muzzle conveys an expression of energy and great power.A red coating has been applied to the inside of the mouth. The white applied to the teeth makes them appear menacing, whilst the white of the eyes alludes to the power of vision into the invisible world.The numerous spikes and pieces of iron embedded in the body, as well as the thick, crusty patina covering it, suggest a multitude of uses (activations) for the object.
NKISI
Polychrome Kongo nkisi nkonde statuette with a double head of a dog and a crocodile.
20th century.Length: 64 cm.Heavy wood covered with a thick, crusty patina.The body is massive. The animal appears menacing, in an attacking stance, its jaws slightly parted, ready to devour and tear apart its prey. The artistic fusion of a crocodile’s jaws and a dog’s muzzle conveys an expression of energy and great power.A red coating has been applied to the inside of the mouth. The white applied to the teeth makes them appear menacing, whilst the white of the eyes alludes to the power of vision into the invisible world.The numerous spikes and pieces of iron embedded in the body, as well as the thick, crusty patina covering it, suggest a multitude of uses (activations) for the object.
