Crucifix – Wood – Bakongo – Congo

Powerfull wooden Bakongo crucifix named Ntadi from  Congo.

Those Bacongo crosses are made under influence of the missionaries that came to Congo since the 15th century.
They where also used in judgements, the person involved had to touch the crucifix and swear to speak the truth!
It was also used in healing matters, the crucifix was then placed on the sick person to cure him or her.
Last but not least it had also a spiritual purpose, to be in contact with the son of the believed creator of the world.

Provenance: former private collection from Germany.