H x W x D: 18.1 × 12 × 4 cm (7 1/8 × 4 3/4 × 1 9/16 in.)
Type:
Figure
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Early 20th century
Label Text:
This small panel with a cruciform figure represents a protective spirit. The solid panel format is less common than the placing of a figure inside an open rectangle. The Christ like image derived from brass crucifixes introduced into the Congo by 17th century Catholic missionaries. This iconography remained after the departure of the clerics, and was associated both with protective spirits and in metal with the power of the chiefs.
Description:
Roughly rectangular wood panel with partly detached high relief male figure in a crucified pose with a peaked coiffure. Incised lines outline panel. Overall dull brown surface.
Provenance:
Belgian collection
Marc Leo Felix, -- to 1988
Harold Gray, 1988 to 2015
Content Statement:
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