Details
ITEM NAME:
Kongo Figure
ITEM #:
5545
ETHNICITY:
Kongo
ORIGIN:
Democratic Republic of Congo
MEDIUM:
Wood.
DIMENSIONS:
14″ (35.56 cm) Tall.
CONDITION:
Good.
PROVENANCE:
Private Estate Collection – California, USA.
CATALOGUE NOTE:
During the 13th century, the Kongo peoples migrated to their current location from the northeast, led by Wene. In 1482, the Portuguese arrived on the coast, establishing diplomatic relations with the Kongo and even inviting Kongo nobles to visit Portugal in 1485. Christian missionaries targeted Kongo leaders for conversion, causing conflicts between Christians and followers of traditional religions. In 1526, the Portuguese were expelled, but the Kongo faced invasion by the Jagas in 1568, leaving them no choice but to seek assistance from the Portuguese. Unfortunately, the Kongo kingdom never fully recovered its former power. Over time, they fought both with and against the Portuguese, eventually becoming colonized in 1885. Notably, the Kongo political party Abako played a crucial role in the country’s independence in 1960.
