KONGO NAIL FETISH FIGURE, Nkondi
carved wood, iron nails, unknown shell shaped objects, poss. animal hooves, 29"tall; 10.5"w
Please note: African Tribal arts are not a part of our field of knowledge. We encourage buyers to view in person.
We did not use a consultant for monetary evaluation, therefore, estimates provided have little to do with reality. Many of the objects were purchased at Sotheby's and Christie's in the 90's, but the heir does not have any information beyond memory and a few Sotheby's stickers which remained. We believe some objects to be important, but again, we advise personal inspection. All items are sold 'as is' regardless of description.
"The business of nkondi was to identify and hunt down unknown wrong-doers, such as thieves and those who were believed to have caused sickness and death among their neighbors by occult means; nkondi could also punish those who swore false
oaths and villages that broke treaties ...To provoke nkondi...nails, blades and
other hardware were driven into it. Angered by these injuries, nkondi would mysteriously fly to the attack, inflicting on the wrong-doer similar harm." (Phillips 1995: 246)
Clear evidence of wear and handling, with aged and weathered encrusted patina; old insect damage, primarily to the left side and foot.
Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000
Realized: $225 - Excluding Buyer's Premium
Absence of a condition statement does not imply the lot is in perfect condition, free from flaws, restoration, or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email or telephone to our gallery. Any condition statement given either verbally or written is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. CRN bears no responsibility for error or omission. All items are sold as is. All sales are final.
Lot 450 : KONGO NAIL FETISH FIGURE, Nkondi
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