Click Here for New Arrivals! The Kongo people are spread throughout the countries of Zaire and Gabon. The Vili were originally subjects of the great Kongo kingdom which was composed of a number of separate tribes such as the Yombe, Woyo, Dondo, Bembe and many subgroups. People of this region have strong beliefs in supernatural forces and spirits of the dead. These entities are called upon to aid the entire tribe, oversee and participate in rituals and to help persons on an individual basis. Much preparation is made in the creation of the vessels(masks, statues, nkisis)that are to house the spirits. Special wood is chosen, prayers are spoken on behalf of the fallen tree to appease the forest spirits, the carving is done after more ritualistic fanfare, then the Nganga (medicine man) instills within the object the needed empowerment so it can carry out its function. In the case of this statuette the ancestors were asked to bestow good fortune upon the villager who commissioned it to be made. The villager in turn will place this in a sacred place within his dwelling and pay daily homage to it. The Vili figure is very well crafted, well polished with natural hand oils, has classic Vili styling and was blackened for strength. Please click photo for enlargement! See another photo and Order button below. Sold! When OFFLINE click button to leave a message!
Dimensions: 7 1/4 inches tall x 2 1/8 inches wide x 2 3/8 inches deep. Wt: 2 lbs. **For a complete inventory listing please go to the 'Index' section on the Navigation Bar to your right** |
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