Bakongo Villi Kneeling Figure Miniature 6.5 inch Congo JK Brown Collection

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.

Damage/Repair: Chips, cracks

The Kongo people, who are a Bantu ethnic group primarily inhabiting the regions of present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, and Republic of Congo, have a rich artistic tradition that includes the creation of various types of figurative sculptures. These sculptures, often referred to as Kongo figures, can be categorized into different types based on their intended function and meaning.

Power Figures: These figures, known as nkisi or nkondi, are believed to possess spiritual powers and are used for various purposes such as healing, protection, and justice. They are created with a cavity or receptacle in their abdomen, where medicinal substances, sacred objects, or materials associated with specific rituals can be placed. Nkisi figures are empowered through rituals, prayers, and the activation of their spiritual forces.

Ancestral Figures: Some Kongo figures represent ancestors and serve as a connection between the living and the deceased. These sculptures are often placed on ancestral altars or shrines, where offerings and prayers are made to honor and seek the guidance and protection of the ancestors.

Shrine Objects: Kongo figures are also used as shrine objects in spiritual practices. They can be placed in sacred spaces or shrines dedicated to specific spirits or deities. These figures serve as focal points for rituals, prayers, and offerings, acting as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms.

Bakongo Villi Miniature Figures: The Bakongo Villi are a subgroup of the Kongo people, and miniature figures associated with them represent specific individuals or groups. These small sculptures often depict aspects of daily life, community roles, or ancestral lineage. They can be used in various contexts, such as personal devotion, ancestral veneration, or as symbolic representations of cultural identity.

It is important to note that the interpretation and meaning of Kongo figures can vary among different communities and individuals. The significance attributed to these sculptures may depend on cultural, religious, and personal beliefs within the Kongo society.

Provenance: From the JK Brown Collection:

Kathie and Jerry Brown have been collecting trade beads for more than 50 years. They had a business selling them for many years, called “Thunder and Lightning.” According to Jerry, “Kathie was the lightning, and I was the thunder!”  

Their collecting began in 1967 when they met a Peace Corps volunteer who was selling his collection to finance a school for African children - and the Browns bought it all. Over the years, they've amassed thousands of strands of Venetian and other European trade beads, as well as made-in-Africa beds and jewelry. They sold at Mountain Man rendezvous and other events. Africa Direct is very proud to be the new owners of this extraordinary collection.