Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), probably Kongo peoples, early 20th century CE. This is a hand carved dark wood figure of a man kneeling with hands over his eyes; there are details of clothing and hair but it is a simple figure and, based on its time period, seems to reflect a Christian religiosity. The Kingdom of the Kongo (ca. 1390 to 1891 CE) covered a large portion of west central Africa for many centuries before being annexed and violently assimilated by the Portuguese Empire into the colony of Angola. However, the people in the Kongo had contact with Portuguese missionaries long before becoming part of a colony, and from the eighteenth century onward, Kongo artists had begun making crucifixes and religious objects that depicted Jesus as an African. This piece is part of that tradition. Size: 10" L x 4.25" W x 17.25" H (25.4 cm x 10.8 cm x 43.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL acquired prior to 1970

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#113034

Expected surface wear but very nice, clear overall shape.