Lot: 378

86th Tribal Art Auction

Standing female power figure "nkoshi"

Gabon, Lumbo

Provenance Size Starting price / estimated price
H: 9.3 inch This object is not available anymore.

wood, reddish brown patina, eyes with porcelain inlay, three cavities (lower abdomen, stomach, head) for insertion of magical material, min. dam., cracks (back), slight traces of abrasion, base;
tstatuettes of the "nkoshi" type had a divinatory function or acted to protect lineage-related relics. These were ritual tools that the "nganga" (diviner/healer) used to impress his public. The spirit invoked was supposed to have taken residence, as it were, in the sulpture. The figures were also used for the detection of sorcerers.


AHDRC 0048879 (comparable object)