KONGO FIGURE Wood - 78 cm D.R. Congo Nkisi N'Kondi: Mangaaka Mangaaka sculptures appeared during the 19th century and were the most powerful magical artefacts developped by the Ngangas and sculptors in order to resolve conflicts and to unite magical and local forces against newcomers. Aware of their power, German and British forces seized several of these figures - now in museums - compelling the owners to hide the remaining figures. Provenance: Acquired by Jean-Pierre Hallet during his stay in D.R. Congo in the 1950s Jean-Pierre Hallet collection, USA Private collection, Belgium