Additional information
| Country | American, South African |
|---|---|
| Region | North American, African |
| Artist | Covey |
ArtistCovey, Rosemary Feit
Artist Years1954-living
Artist NationalityAmerican, South African
TitleFallen Acrobat
Year1994
MediumPrint > Wood Engraving
DimensionsBlock: 12 X 10 inches
Description
Wood engraving, signed in pencil and annotated with title and “7/80”, printed on thin, cream, Japan paper, 2 inch margins. Not in Mackenzie. Mint condition, never framed, hinged and matted in 100% cotton rag. Free shipping to US address.
(920170 bx-bb)
ProvenancePurchased from the artist, 1996
Accession Number920170
NotesNkonde, more generally Nkisi nkondi, represent sacred medicines and divine protection central to the belief of the Kongo peoples (Democratic Republic of Congo). Nkondi figures are highly recognizable through an accumulation of pegs, blades, nails, or other sharp objects inserted into its surface. Medicinal combinations called bilongo are sometimes stored in the head of the figure but frequently in the belly of the figure, which is shielded by a piece of glass, mirror, or other reflective surface. The glass represents the ‘other world’ inhabited by the spirits of the dead, who can peer through and see potential enemies. Elements with a variety of purposes are contained within the bilongo. Seeds may be inserted to tell a spirit to replicate itself; mpemba or white soil deposits found near cemeteries represent and enlist support from the spiritual realm. Claws may incite the spirits to grasp something, while stones may activate the spirits to pelt enemies or protect one from being pelted. The insertions are driven into the figure by the nganga and represent the mambu and the type or degree of severity of an issue can be suggested through the material itself. A peg may refer to a matter being ‘settled’ whereas a nail, deeply inserted, may represent a more serious offense such as murder. Prior to insertion, opposing parties or clients often lick the blades or nails, to seal the function or purpose of the nkisi through their saliva. If an oath is broken by one of the parties or evil befalls one of them, the nkisi nkondi will become activated to carry out its mission of destruction or divine protection.
(source: SmartHistory.org)
Price $2,200.00