Decorative prosperity fetish, Bacongo, DR Congo, ca 1970

Very nice decorative prosperity fetish of the Bacongo. The finely carved wooden statue is connected to an animal bone. The sculpture is beautifully carved with great detail. See for example the precisely crafted ears, nose and mouth and the glass eyes. Around the neck a strip of knotted natural fibers and on the chest a cavity covered with a glass plate that should normally contain the power substance bilongo, consecrated by a nganga, a kind of shaman. The statue holds a calabash in his hands, symbolizing prosperity. Underneath that is a piece of animal bone. The statue is placed on a custom-made stand that is of course included. Good condition! See the pictures.

Length: 37 cm, including stand approx. 42 cm
Total weight: 754 grams
Origin: DR Congo
Date: circa 1970
Provenance: Obtained from a Flemish private collection