Stone “Ntadi” Figure
Kongo people, DR Congo, d. late 19th c.
Carved and painted stone
Ex–old Belgian collection
17.5” h x 6.5” w (44.45 x 16.51 cm)
Price: $4,500
Ntadis were carved as memorials for prominent members of Kongo society, both men and women. Coming from an old Belgian collection, this carved and painted stone figure wears a medallion and European coat. Cf. Cornet (1975, fig. 5), Phillips (1995, fig. 14), Cole (1989, fig. 174), and Blier (2004, fig. 74).