Dengese (Bonkese, Dekese, Ndengese, Ndenkese), Democratic Rebublic of the Congo

King figure. The 12,000 Dengese people live across the Sankuru River to the north of the Kuba. Their king reigns over local chiefs who are assisted by noble men. Powerful groups such as blacksmith, hunting and witchcraft societies counterbalance the political power of the chiefs. The Dengese artists are known for their sepulchral statues that became part of many museum collections. The elongated Dengese figures are called isiki-manji  and represent royal ancestor figures. The headdress, a distorted cone, represents the one placed on the king’s head during his installation and symbolizes understanding, intelligence, distinction, respect, and unity among chiefs. The placement of the hands on the belly refers to the common origins of the king’s subjects, from which he anticipates cooperation. Numerous symbols are carved on the elongated torso and arms in imitation of scarification patterns. It was believed that these figures embody the king’s power.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 23 ½”, W. 7”, D. 7”

Price:  $245+$40 (S&H)                                       [#E5D9S602]