Statue(s) - Wood - MINKENGE - Bakongo - Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo Kongo, Vili Wood 68 cm Ex private USA collection. Ex David Malik, GB. With collection number 1526. Minkenge art is characterised by a body that is as unique as it is narrow; relatively large-format statues, the proportions of which are naturalistic, showing a man with his right knee on the ground, the other leg is bent, the warlike posture and powerful presence of his face is suffused with a command of an astonishing, solemn seriousness. In the remarkable individuality, the limited number and the durability of this ancient body, you can recognise the hand of an individual master, who carved these three masterpieces at different stages of his career. Its origin from Congo (possibly Vili) can be derived from the iconography, as well as from the dynamism of the posture, the naturalism of the style, the position of the cargo at the abdomen and the details of the hairstyle. The protective effect of these icons is enhanced by the power of their visual effect; seeming majestic to us.