209C
19th C. Bakongo Nkondi Nkisi Nail / Wood Fetish Figure
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Description
Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bakongo peoples, ca. 19th century CE. This hand-carved wood power figure, called a nkisi nkondi, is carved in the likeness of a human being which symbolizes its purpose, as each nkisi nkondi has traditionally been of service in human affairs. Wrapped in cloth, innumerable nails have been driven into the form over time. Each nail represents an occasion when two or more parties met to come to an agreement, make peace, settle an argument, investigate or solve a problem that had troubled villagers. Size: 5" W x 10.5" H (12.7 cm x 26.7 cm)Power figures like this have traditionally been used during judicial procedures of the Kongo peoples. In addition to settling legal disputes, nkisi nkondi have traditionally been used to protect a village, demonstrate innocence or guilt, heal the ill, and put an end to disasters. The types of nails or blades used reflects the kind of agreement made or the severity of the offense.Beyond this, Nkisi Nkondi derive their spiritual powers from the medicinal powers deposited in cavities, either the stomach or the head of such figures. In this example those powdery substances are visible through a translucent face of the protruding round cavity over the abdominal region. The Bakongo peoples believe in the deity Ne Kongo who presented the first sacred medicine (or nkisi) from the celestial realm in an earthenware vessel that he carefully placed upon three termite mounds or stones. Nkisi generally translates as "spirit" and manifests in a container of sacred medicines or substances that are thought to be catalyzed by the supernatural when summoned into the earthly world. Oftentimes an nkisi manifests as a modest bundle; however, carved wooden figures like this marvelous example are more impressive visual manifestations.This particular example is quite dramatic. The visage is quite expressive peering out from deep eye sockets which represent the "other world" where spirits of the deceased reside and a slightly opened mouth, suggesting prayer or chanting. Said spirits are thought to peer through the eyes and identify enemies and guilty parties. Provenance: Ex-Private Pasadena, CA collection acquired before 1970 Condition: Surface wear and encrustations commensurate with age and use. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #118630
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Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bakongo peoples, ca. 19th century CE. This hand-carved wood power figure, called a nkisi nkondi, is carved in the likeness of a human being which symbolizes its purpose, as each nkisi nkondi has traditionally been of service in human affairs. Wrapped in cloth, innumerable nails have been driven into the form over time. Each nail represents an occasion when two or more parties met to come to an agreement, make peace, settle an argument, investigate or solve a problem that had troubled villagers. Size: 5" W x 10.5" H (12.7 cm x 26.7 cm)Power figures like this have traditionally been used during judicial procedures of the Kongo peoples. In addition to settling legal disputes, nkisi nkondi have traditionally been used to protect a village, demonstrate innocence or guilt, heal the ill, and put an end to disasters. The types of nails or blades used reflects the kind of agreement made or the severity of the offense.Beyond this, Nkisi Nkondi derive their spiritual powers from the medicinal powers deposited in cavities, either the stomach or the head of such figures. In this example those powdery substances are visible through a translucent face of the protruding round cavity over the abdominal region. The Bakongo peoples believe in the deity Ne Kongo who presented the first sacred medicine (or nkisi) from the celestial realm in an earthenware vessel that he carefully placed upon three termite mounds or stones. Nkisi generally translates as "spirit" and manifests in a container of sacred medicines or substances that are thought to be catalyzed by the supernatural when summoned into the earthly world. Oftentimes an nkisi manifests as a modest bundle; however, carved wooden figures like this marvelous example are more impressive visual manifestations.This particular example is quite dramatic. The visage is quite expressive peering out from deep eye sockets which represent the "other world" where spirits of the deceased reside and a slightly opened mouth, suggesting prayer or chanting. Said spirits are thought to peer through the eyes and identify enemies and guilty parties. Provenance: Ex-Private Pasadena, CA collection acquired before 1970 Condition: Surface wear and encrustations commensurate with age and use. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #118630
2-Day Auction - Ancient & Ethnographic Art from Around the World
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Important Information
Day 1 of an important 2-day auction featuring ancient and ethnographic art from around the world. Egypt, Greek, Roman, Viking, Russian, Near Eastern plus Asian Art from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, India, more.
Terms & Conditions
The following are the TERMS OF SALE for bidding in Live Auction, Weds., January 18, 2017. AUCTION will start at 8 a.m. MT, 10 p.m. EST, 7 a.m. PST - Live Online / Absentee Bidding only. Please read the following "Terms of Sale" carefully. These terms are applicable to all bidders in this auction, collectors and dealers alike. Please do not bid in this auction if you do not agree to all of the terms listed below. Your submission of bids in this auction constitutes your acceptance of these "Terms of Sale."
1. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
2. This is an auction sale, not an approval sale. By bidding in this auction, the bidder personally guarantees payment. The auctioneer has final discretion in all matters. In case of dispute, the lot(s) in question may be resold. Lots will be sold in their numerical sequence unless the auctioneer directs otherwise.
3. HIGH and LOW ESTIMATES are provided for each lot for reference only.
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6. CO SALES TAX: Appropriate Colorado Sales Tax will be added to all invoices, unless a valid CO seller's permit is on file with Artemis Gallery/Artemis Gallery Live prior to any bidding in the auction. Items shipped outside of CO (United States or international) are also sales tax exempt.
7. RETURN POLICY: If our description of the item is not as described, we will accept return of the item; however, WE MUST HAVE WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF RETURN WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS FROM RECEIPT OF ITEM BY BIDDER, as shown by FedEx, UPS or USPS tracking data, and the item must be received by us within ten days in the condition received. A written letter from a recognized expert in the field pertaining to the item in dispute must be presented for refund. No lots may be returned without prior written consent. Late remittance constitutes just cause for revocation of all return privileges. Return shipping is at the bidder's expense. In no event may any lot(s) be returned after fifteen (15) days from the date of the auction. As of February 6, 2017 ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
8. BIDDING will be conducted ONLINE / LIVE as the auction progresses. Bidders may place their bids LIVE, via PHONE or by leaving ABSENTEE BIDS via the Live Auctioneers auction catalog. Please keep in mind that Phone Bids will be accepted on a limited basis and must be arranged in advance.
9. SHIPPING: As a convenience to our buyers, shipping is handled in-house. All buyers will receive an invoice detailing their purchases, sales tax (if applicable), buyer's premium, and shipping/insurance charges. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. **For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country; this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. Also, please be aware that Artemis Gallery will NOT falsify customs value on any international shipments - what you pay is what we declare, no exceptions. There are a small number of international countries we cannot ship to. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding**
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10. ESTIMATES for each lot are given only as a guide to help gauge bidding. Lots may sell for a price greater than or less than these estimates.
11. STARTING PRICES may or may not be the actual price at which any item will sell. At the discretion of the auctioneer, starting prices may be lowered to encourage bidding, but this is up to the auctioneer.
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15. If the auction invoice is not paid for in full when due per invoice terms, including any applicable credit card processing fees, the unpaid balance will bear interest at the highest rate permitted by law until paid in full. If the matter is referred to an attorney for collection, bidder agrees to pay all reasonable attorney fees, court costs and other collection cost incurred by Artemis Gallery to collect past due invoices and that the services of process by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, shall be sufficient to confer "in personam" jurisdiction over bidder.
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17. QUESTIONS? Feel free to email us at info@artemisgallery.com with questions prior to bidding or feel free to call us at 720-890-7700. Please be sure to ask all questions at least 30 minutes prior to auction start time, as we will not be able to take calls or answer emails sent to us during the auction.
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