Kongo Bronze St. Anthony Figure African Sculpture Congo Paris Coll, Exquisite Age, Wear / Use, Verdigris Patina Start Price USD 3,295.00 Current Price USD 3,295.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, July 24, 2008 End Time Thursday, July 31, 2008 Location Santa Fe, NM See more about 'Kongo Bronze St. Anthony Figure African Sculpture Congo' Description   An Important Kongo Bronze St. Anthony Figure StatueAntique African Sculpture Democratic Republic of Congo Zaire     Early Kongo St. Anthony of Padua Sculpture w/ Baby Jesus Figure and CrossAntique Tribal Art - African Sculpture - Iconic Christian Statue - DRC, Congo Zaire Collected from the: Kongo (Bakongo) peoples in the Atlantic Coast region of Zaire, Central AfricaMaterial: Bronze, early lost wax cast of copper/tin alloyPeriod: 17th century, conservativelyDimensions: 4" height, 1.25" width, 1.25" depth w/ loop, 1" base diameter; weight is 10.2 ounces Condition: Pristine - no damage or repair; casting method and quality, surface condition, tool signatures, and refined metal content declare this the work of an early master caster, clearly intended for ritual tribal use; substantial calcification and verdigris suggest previous burial. This historically important, museum quality piece is an exceptionally rare find ! From a private Parisian collection, this early, exquisitely cast Christian relic remains completely intact and structurally sound. The distinct Portuguese Saint Anthony and African baby Jesus facial features, superior casting quality, minute surface imperfections (created from bubbles in the molten metal during the initial casting process, known as 'blow holes'), refined metal content and distinct lack of 'pot metal' (or iron) alloys all combine to suggest an extremely early period of creation. The glorious patina of time and use greatly enhance the personality of this delightful work; substantial calcification and verdigris suggest previous burial. Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this spectacular relic! And be sure to see the fascinating AFRICAN SCULPTURES in our eBay store! Or explore our beautiful AFRICAN BRONZES ! Click Images to Enlarge Kongo Bakongo St. Anthony of Padua Sculpture"The Kongo kingdom adopted Christianity as its state religion in the fifteenth century. The process of that conversion was visually reinforced by the widespread use of religious images, like the bronze figures of the Virgin Mary and the Portuguese-born Saint Anthony of Lisbon (also known as Saint Anthony of Padua), cast by Kongolese artists after Portuguese models, which became extraordinarily popular through the teaching of Capuchin priests. But by the end of the seventeenth century, the kingdom had largely disintegrated in the face of devastating social and political upheavals. The resulting chaos bred a number of popular movements that looked to Christianity for a spiritual solution to the kingdom's problems. One of these movements, called Antonianism, was launched in 1704 by a Kongo visionary called Dona Beatriz, or Kimpa Vita. Dona Beatriz advocated a more thorough Africanization of the Catholic church and claimed that through direct contact with heaven she had observed the Holy Family to be Kongo. Ultimately found guilty of heresy by both the local nobility and the church, Dona Beatriz was burned at the stake! The primary emblem of this movement was Saint Anthony of Padua, a saint associated with the protection of children and mothers and conceived as the source of Kongo salvation. Known as Toni Malau, or "Anthony of Good Fortune," his image appeared on religious insignia kept by his followers for protection against ill health and other problems." This small pendant, cast from brass, depicts Saint Anthony with tonsured head wearing a monk's habit and knotted rope belt. He carries a cross in his right hand while he supports the Christ Child with his left in traditional Catholic form. See Africa: The Art of a Continent for further details. Kongo Bakongo Tribal HistoryAt its height in the fifteenth century, the Kongo kingdom was one of the largest in all of sub-Saharan Africa; spanning 115,000 square miles, it had a highly centralized monarchy as well as a powerful noble class. Often termed the "greatest of kingdoms" in Central Africa, the former Kongo kingdom unified the areas of lower Zaire, the Cabinda region, and northwest Angola. Six provinces were directed by a governor under the authority of a single King who was chosen by a council of tribal governors and ruled from his seat of power in the Mbanza capital. Centered on their extremely strong monarchy, the elaborate social structure was pervasive across a complex system of trade and interchange between the forest of the north and the coast and savannah plains to the south. The urban nobility sustained its luxurious lifestyle through a heavy tax system levied on the rural peasant class. Bulk products from the provinces, including copper, salt, wild animal products, as well as cloth and later human slaves, were traded to the Portuguese. The Kongo first encountered Christianity when the Portuguese landed on the African coast in 1482. By 1485 missionaries were living at the royal court while Congolese nobles visited Portugal. Important trade relationships were solidified when the Kongo King Nzinga (baptized as Alfonso I) converted to Christianity of his own free will in 1491, urging the Kongo nobility and peasant classes to follow suit, thereby strengthening ties with his counterpart in Portugal and allowing the kings of Kongo to participate in an international community of leaders beyond Portugal that included the Vatican. The Kongo kings found that local religious beliefs had significant parallels with Christianity and so they were easily able to synthesize the two. They did not feel that they had renounced one for the other. The kingdom remained Christian to varying degrees for the next 200 years though scholars continue to dispute the authenticity of the Kongolese Christian faith and the degree to which the adoption of a new faith was motivated by political and economic realities. Despite the noble’s conversion to Christianity, the Bakongo people continued their ancestral worship and traditional beliefs even into the huge contingent of Bakongo populations among the New World. The art of the Lower Zaire River has typically been described as ‘Kongo art,’ but it actually contains numerous sub-styles, the detailed analysis of which has barely begun. The Kongo kingdom influenced the Vili, Yombe, Bembe, Bwende, Sundi, Dondo and Woyo who, as an integral part of this grand empire, produced sculpture that contained the same artistic themes: maternity figures, seated kings, prestige objects and nail fetishes. Art among peoples of the western portion of the Congo basin was used in leadership, funerary, and commemorative contexts, for the manipulation of mystical powers, and during rites of passage. Art proclaimed the authority of the Kongo kings, who were viewed as sacred. Luxury goods testified to their status, wealth, and privilege. Figures, stools, staffs of office, textiles, and other wonderfully embellished utilitarian objects set the king and his chiefs apart from commoners and established their right to rule. ‘Kongo art’ has justly been called one of the most remarkable in all of Africa. Its long history, and the variety and quality of its works, amply justify its fame. Three million Kongo people now occupy the Atlantic Coast region of Zaire, Congo, and Angola, in present-day Gabon. Cat. # kcrk3 ************************************************************************************ THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING SANTA FE AFRICAN ART !!! We strive to earn your ***** FIVE STAR ***** rating in all 4 categories!If you are not 5 star satisfied, please contact us immediately!Your Satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ! ************************************************************************************ Multiple purchases = SUBSTANTIAL savings on your shipping costs! Never a charge for handling! Important Note: UPS and USPS International request a daytime phone number for delivery, PLEASE be sure to include this information with your payment to ensure expedited service. Dimensional weight domestic rates include tracking or free Delivery Confirmation. USPS insurance is optional and highly recommended. We gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases to reduce your costs - simply email us with your Zip or Postal Code for a combined invoice, PRIOR to making payment. We Offer a Variety of Payment Methods to Meet YOUR Needs ! PayPal, bank wire transfer or deposit, money orders, and certified or personal checks are all gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 10 days of auction close. In consideration of discounts given on Best Offers accepted, we respectfully request payment be made within 3 days unless prior arrangements are made. Please contact us directly if other arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help! Your Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed !!! Our commitment to customer satisfaction exceeds the standard authenticity or 'as stated' guarantees you may find elsewhere. We endeavor to ensure our collectors are thrilled with each and every item they acquire! Please contact us immediately if - for any reason - you are not pleased with your selection. Your purchase price will be gladly refunded once the item is returned to us, in its original condition, within 14 days of the initial delivery date. Affordable Auction Management and Image Hosting Solutions @ inkFrog view my other auctions below:   visit my entire auction showcase Place a Bid!