A Fine Lower Congo , Vili People Carved Figural Ivory Ritual Flywhisk Handle
A Fine Vili Peoples Carved Figural Ivory Ritual Flywhisk Handle
The eyes inlaid with shell, the interior hollow
Lower Congo
19th Century
Size : 10 cm high – 4 ins high
Belgium CITES: 2025/BE01010/CE
The eyes inlaid with shell, the interior hollow
Lower Congo
19th Century
Size : 10 cm high – 4 ins high
Belgium CITES: 2025/BE01010/CE
A Fine Vili Peoples Carved Figural Ivory Ritual Flywhisk Handle
The eyes inlaid with shell, the interior hollow
Lower Congo
19th Century
Size : 10 cm high – 4 ins high
Belgium CITES: 2025/BE01010/CE
The eyes inlaid with shell, the interior hollow
Lower Congo
19th Century
Size : 10 cm high – 4 ins high
Belgium CITES: 2025/BE01010/CE
When the Portuguese explorers dropped anchor in the estuary of the Congo River in 1482 the Kingdom of the Kongo had already become the largest state in central Africa; a centrally organised nation with governor's ruling over provinces on behalf of a King. During the 16th and 17th centuries it was known as a powerful and prestigious African Kingdom and sent diplomats to Europe and Brazil.
Art proclaimed the authority of the Kongo King's who were sacred. Figures, stools, staffs of office, ivory handles and sceptres, and textiles set the King and his Chiefs apart from commoner's and established their right to rule.
The ritual fly whisk was an attribute of a Chief and was used as a symbol of authority. The smooth creamy patina suggests that this finial was grasped in the hand over a long period of time.
Art proclaimed the authority of the Kongo King's who were sacred. Figures, stools, staffs of office, ivory handles and sceptres, and textiles set the King and his Chiefs apart from commoner's and established their right to rule.
The ritual fly whisk was an attribute of a Chief and was used as a symbol of authority. The smooth creamy patina suggests that this finial was grasped in the hand over a long period of time.
Ex Finch and Co catalogue numer 6, 2005
Ex Private European collection
Belgium CITES: 2025/BE01010/CE
Ex Private European collection
Belgium CITES: 2025/BE01010/CE
A Fine Lower Congo , Vili People Carved Figural Ivory Ritual Flywhisk Handle
