Saverio Collection of African Art. A set with a receptacle whose lid is made up of a gourd, a female figure adopts the attitude of the notable Kongo, crouching, hands resting on his knees. The wide-spread face has the characteristics of the kongo style: the gaping mouth revealing slender teeth. The eyes have hollowed-out pupils evoking trance following visionary states. Tribal scarifications are also still distinct on the shoulders. This object was intended for the ritual of divination under the guidance of the nganga diphomba , specialist responsible for detecting any form of witchcraft and its consequences on social life, health, etc. A grainy matte patina covers the room. In the 13th century, the Kongo people, led by their king Ne Kongo, settled in a region at the crossroads of the borders between present-day DRC, Angola and Gabon. Two centuries later, the Portuguese came into contact with the Kongo and converted their king to Christianity. Although monarchical, the Kongo political system had a democratic aspect because the king was actually placed at the head of the kingdom following an election held by a council of tribal governors. This king, also known as ntotela , controlled the appointment of court and provincial officials.
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