A Vili Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

standing on straight legs, the female figure with circular mirrors on the abdomen, left and right side of chest, lower back and reverse of head and inside the eyes, with a strand of beads wrapped around the ankles and a brass tack inserted in the top of the head; 'FK205' in white pigment on right heel; exceptionally fine patina with large amounts of pigmented surface remaining.

Marceau Rivière, Paris
Marc Leo Felix, Brussels
Fred and Jens Jahn, Munich 

Iowa City, The University of Iowa Museum of Art, Kilengi: African Art from the Bareiss Family Collection, March 27 - May 23, 1999 (for additional venues see bibliography, Roy 1997)

Galerie Fred and Jens Jahn, Munich (advertisement), African Arts, November 1984, vol. XVIII, no. 1, p. 18
François Neyt, Miniature Sculptures from Zaire, Munich, 1984, p. 55, no. 31
Christopher D. Roy,  Kilengi: African Art from the Bareiss Family Collection, Seattle, 1997, pp. 237 and 382, fig. 147
--, Kilengi. Afrikanische Kunst aus der Sammlung Bareiss, Hanover, 1997, pp. 241 and 387, fig. 147

very good condition overall; minor age cracks on chest, reverse of head, neck and back; exceptionally fine patina with large amounts of original surface remaining including red, yellow and white pigment; strand of beads torn but stable.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Roy (1997: 382, text to fig. 147) notes: "the small cavities or containers located in various spots on the body are filled with magical materials by the nganga, a ritual specialist, based on the client's needs. The client then activates that power by various means, including blowing smoke over the figure or offering it sacrifices."