African graffiti figures; funeral figurine; “Thinkers'...

Because of tribal wars on the border region between Congo and Angola, these sculptures were shipped by Benedictine missionaries in the 1960s/1970s from Zaire – Kinshasa, Republic – Congo (Congo people) to the Abbey Maria-Toevlucht in Zundert. In the 1980s, acquired from my Father. They are the so-called Mintadi (Ntadi) – Bitumba figures, Also known as African grave figures; funeral statuettes; “Thinkers/Watchers.” Made of soapstone. Legs crossed in a seated position, a contemplative meditation pose. Gifts placed by the community for respected elders. They had a role of protection and guarding. In the culture of the Congo people, this meant contact between the living and the dead (spirits). An embodiment of a deceased takes the form of a thinking figure, often with his left hand pressed against his cheek. Their posture expresses the concern of someone responsible for the future of his family, lineage or clan. They preserve magical powers. There are 15 different ones in the auction, last photo. In 1996 from my father's estate. Over the years, piece by piece, purchased at the Abbey Maria-Toevlucht, Rucphenseweg 38, 4882 KC Zundert.

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