African Arts Gallery

br>Wearing a high headgear, dressed in military uniform, and wearing thick boots, this "settler" character is depicted in a nonchalant and assured posture, hands in his pockets. The subtle expression of the face, treated with efficiency, contributes to underline this effect. Sandy matte patina, locally darkened. Slight cracks.
In the 13th century, the Kongo people, led by their king Ne Kongo, settled in a region at the crossroads of the borders between the current 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 governors of the tribes. This king, also called ntotela, controlled the appointment of court and provincial officials. The nganga, both healers, were in charge of religious activities and mediation with the God called Nzambi through consecrated figures called nkisi.