Anthropomorphic statuette called Nzambi - Holo culture, Democratic Republic of Congo

Anthropomorphic statuette called Nzambi
Holo culture, Democratic Republic of Congo and Northern Angola
Circa 1900
Wood
H: 29.5 cm; W: 18.5 cm

(indigenous restoration and slight flaking of the wood on the reverse)

This hermaphroditic statuette, carved from a single block of wood, stands within an architectural frame. Its hands rest on the uprights of the angular structure, while its feet, joined at the bottom, support short, slightly bent legs, each distinct from the other.

Its face is tapered at the chin, marked by two coffee-bean-shaped eyes and two small C-shaped ears. Broadly incised fingers extend from its broad shoulders, and its torso, with a prominent navel, is adorned with X-shaped and checkerboard-pattern scarifications.

According to Albert Maesen, a doctor of art history and archaeology and former curator of the Museum of the Belgian Congo, these statuettes are reminiscent of Christian crucifixes.

Indeed, from the 15th century onward, Christian iconography was introduced to Central Africa through contact with Europeans, notably via crucifixes and representations of saints and the Virgin Mary. These framed statuettes likely appeared in the 17th century during the second phase of the Christianization of the kingdom by Capuchin missionaries, who arrived in the territory in 1645.

Like the representation of Christ on the cross, these sacred panels were imbued with a protective function, comparable to that of an amulet. They were kept in houses called nzo santu, as part of the worship of Nzambi.

In Kongo religious tradition, Nzambi is the supreme God, creator of the universe, and is considered the origin of all life and all spiritual power.

Three labels are visible on the back:

- A handwritten label by Klejman indicating the location, group, and date.
- A Perls Galleries inventory label with its number "11343".

- A Wellesley College Museum label mentioning its exhibition in November 1972.

Provenance:
- Formerly in the John J. Klejman collection, New York, Perls Galleries (inv. no. 11343).
- Formerly in a private American collection.

Bibliographical reference: François Neyt, L’Art Holo du Haut-Kwango, Munich, Fred Jahn, 1982.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref: T89W0H0PCE