Lower Congo Vili People Carved Figural Ivory Ritual Fly-Whisk Handle

A Fine Lower Congo Vili People Carved Figural Ivory Ritual Fly-Whisk Handle The eyes inlaid with shell, the interior hollow
19th Century

Size : 10 cm high – 4 ins high

Provenance:
Ex Finch and Co
Ex Private collection
Ex Irish collection

CITES permit: 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.