|
Christianity was introduced into the central west
African region ruled by the Kingdom of the
Kongo by the Portuguese during the end of the
15th century. Soon after, the King converted to
Christianity and within a generation, Christianity
was officially adopted as the state religion.
Portuguese advisors worked alongside Kongo
natives to develop local religion institutions
following the Roman Catholic model. Over time,
the Kongo developed a unique syncretic version
of Christianity that incorporated native customs,
beliefs, and linguistic phrases in order to appeal
to a broader public. Although this seemingly
impure form of Christianity offended some strict
European clergy, these native traditions were well
entrenched. Although the Kingdom of the Kongo
was eventually terminated by the Portuguese in
the early 20th century, the Kongo peoples
themselves thrive today, spread across the
modern nations of the Democratic Republic of
the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, and
Angola. Christianity continues to be practiced
among a significant percentage of the
population.
This ivory figure depicts the Virgin Mary standing
with her hands clasped together in prayer. A
beaded rosary with a cross pendant dangles
down from her hands and falls just below her
knees. She wears a hooded robe that covers her
upper body while a long skirt lifts up at the
bottom, revealing her bare feet. The overall form
of this sculpture echoes the natural shape of the
ivory. Stained brown, certain parts reveal the
white hue of the ivory beneath, having been
rubbed bare by the faithful. Clearly this
sculpture was no mere decorative piece, but
played an active role in the spiritual life of its
previous owners. The Kongo have long believed
that sculptures were inhabited by spirits that
were able to affect the lives of the living. Surely
they must have believed this sculpture of the
Virgin Mary had the power to influence their lives
for the better.
- (CK.0080)
|
