Among the Kongo at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the crucifix was a symbol of power among the regalia chieffaux. A ceremony at the chief's inauguration required the future leader to recovel at the hands of a dignitary, during a codified ritual, a nkangi kiditu . This badge of power, inspired by ancient Christian crucifixes imported by the Portuguese in the 16th century, could also have a therapeutic function, and, in addition to various uses, be brandished during funeral ceremonies during which the object was subjected to libations of oil or palm wine. The cross would not be a specific motif to the Christian world, the Kongo considering that the four branches refer to the cycle of human existence. The Kongo also used an initiation ceremony, the kimpasi , in which the aspirant was subjected to a symbolic "death " and then a symbolic "resurrection. The Kongo applied their worldview to this original Christian symbol by adapting it to their values. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318323Source: "From Jordan to Congo" ed. Flammarion.
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