Kongo-Vili Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Gaston de Havenon, New York
Private Collection, acquired from the above on May 13, 1972

Good condition for an object of this age and rare type. General marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions and small chips. Cut below the knees as seen in catalogue photograph. Age cracks, including two parallel open cracks to proper right side of head, another open crack through fingers on proper left hand, and to proper right side of the body of the dog. Proper right eye with only a small piece of mirror inlay remaining. Very minor scattered worm holes. Shallow surface losses to back proper left side of head, back of proper left arm, and proper left side of back (abrasions or insect damage). Surface varnished with some areas of consolidation. Aged, partially blackened dark brown patina, with crusty remains of magical charge on front of figure (now lost) with tool marks were body was scored for adhesion. Surface waxed. Permanently fixed with glue and a screw to modern plinth.
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.

A variety of cultures in the Congo River Basin in central Africa maintained so-called "power figures". Generally called minkishi (singular nkishi), these sculptures were carved of wood in human or animal form, and used to harness spiritual forces for aid, protection, healing or revenge.  Sacred materials chosen for their mystical or metaphorical significance were applied or inserted into these figures for rendering them powerful. 

The Kongo-related Vili people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were widely known for their production of power figures of which the offered lot is a splendid example.  Originally carrying a container with magical substances on its abdomen, the outline of which is still visible, the figure was presumably deactivated by the figure's original owner by removing the power-charge upon its sale to a Westerner in an effort to save the buyer from harm.  The over-sized head exerts a considerable presence.  Thrusting forward from the powerful neck, the artist imbued his work with immense power which is tangible in the formal beauty of the head, the dynamism of its elegant lines, and the great sensitivity with which the features have been executed – particularly the modelling of the mouth, with its large lips framing the slightly opened mouth displaying filed teeth.

In addition to the power present in the head, this figure adds a rare pictorial quality in the presence of an animal figure between the human figure's legs.  This animal is most likely a dog, in itself a powerful animal which is in itself often the subject of minkishi.  In the subject figure the human seems to be riding the dog while choking it with both hands, creating an image of uncanny absolute supremacy of the human over the dog, itself a creature of power, and thus creating what might be called an image of "super-power". 

For the figure's refined style cf. a standing human figure in the Museum für Völkerkunde, Munich (inv. no. "93625", Lehuard 1989: 260, D 8-2-1).  This figure was collected in situ by R. Visser between 1898 and 1904.  The morphological details of this figure and the offered lot are virtually identical and it seems reaosnable to attribute both to the hand of one and the same artist.