Tribal Art

Housed in the ventral capsule blocked by a window of this kneeling figure, the bilongo (or bolongo), an amalgam of offensive or defensive magic ingredients, reinforces the powerful symbolism associated with the character's vengeful attitude. Indeed, not only does his devious face express an aggressiveness supported by the hollowed-out mouth and the trance gaze, but the detail of the dorsal ribs could indicate, according to W. MACGAFFEY in Treasures of Africa, a respiratory disease lubanzi.
Abrasions of the crusty polychrome patina.

The Vili, the Lâri, the Sûndi, the Woyo, the Bembé, the Bwende, the Yombé and the Kôngo formed the group Kôngo , led by King ntotela. Their kingdom reached its peak in the 16th century with the ivory, copper and slave trade. Similarly, beliefs and traditions, they produced a statuary with a codified gesture in relation to their worldview. The sorcerers nganga, both healers, were in charge of religious activities and mediation towards the God called Nzambi through these consecrated figures. Aggressive witchcraft kindoki is the absolute evil that must be fought. To this end, nkisis protective figures are manufactured and loaded by nganga of all the necessary ingredients to achieve this goal. It is not the morphology of the sculpture that determines its use, but all that is added to the receptacle built for this destination.
Source: The Kôngo gesture Ed. Dapper Museum; Treasures of Africa Ed. Tervuren Museum.