An ivory Bakongo Christian crucifix 'Nkangi Kidutu'

Democratic Republic of Congo, late 19th/early 20th century

H. 11 x W. 10 cm

This crucifix carved in ivory, is known as a Nkangi Kiditu, signifies Christ protector , and is from the Kongo people of the Congo. Christ is portrayed with his head inclined, almost horizontally, to the left, his eyes closed and his mouth shut. The left ankle over the right, with a small loin cloth and with radiating geometric patterns to denote his ribs, hair and perizonium. The hand and feet are abstracted and two small wrought iron nails remain; one hand is missing.
Very nice honey patina.

The Kingdom of Kongo, founded in the 14th century, has some of the earliest Christian influence in sub-Saharan Africa. The conversion to Christianity in 1512 of King Alfoso I of the Kongo saw the subsequent creation by Kongolese sculptors of Christian crucifixes and images of the Virgin Mary and St Anthony after Portuguese prototypes. In time, the local form of Christianity blurred increasingly with traditional beliefs and Christian symbols became emblems of power and instruments in local ritual. T

he Musee du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac in Paris held an exhibition on Christian-related art from the Congo in 2017. A catalogue Du Jordain au Congo: Art et Christianisme en Afrique Centrale, was published in association with the exhibition.

Provenance:

- Collected by Leon Van Lierde family, Brussels

- Private collection, Belgium