Kuba (Bushoong subgroup) artist. <em>Ndop figure depicting Nyim Mbó Mbóosh (r. ca. 1650), Nyim Mishé miShyááng máMbúl (r. ca. 1710), or Nyim Kot áNée (r. ca. 1740)</em>, ca. 1760–1780. Wood (Crossopteryx febrifuga), tukula, fiber, 19 1/2 × 8 × 10 in. (49.5 × 20.3 × 25.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, Mrs. Donald M. Oenslager, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Blum, and the Mrs. Florence A. Blum Fund, 61.33. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 61.33_front_PS2.jpg)

Kuba (Bushoong subgroup) artist. Ndop figure depicting Nyim Mbó Mbóosh (r. ca. 1650), Nyim Mishé miShyááng máMbúl (r. ca. 1710), or Nyim Kot áNée (r. ca. 1740), ca. 1760–1780. Wood (Crossopteryx febrifuga), tukula, fiber, 19 1/2 × 8 × 10 in. (49.5 × 20.3 × 25.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, Mrs. Donald M. Oenslager, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Blum, and the Mrs. Florence A. Blum Fund, 61.33. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 61.33_front_PS2.jpg)

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Ndop figure depicting Nyim Mbó Mbóosh (r. ca. 1650), Nyim Mishé miShyááng máMbúl (r. ca. 1710), or Nyim Kot áNée (r. ca. 1740)

Arts of Africa

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As a sign of royal authority and to link a monarch with a dynasty, Kuba nyim (kings) would commission portraits in the form of ndop (statues). Each nyim’s ndop would portray characteristics unique to that king. Seated on a platform-throne, this figure wears or holds royal garments, including a long-brimmed headdress, knife, cowrie belt, and armbands. Cowrie shells symbolize Wóót, the Kuba kingdom’s mythical founder. Like many ndop, this one bears a calm expression, emphasizing the Kuba people’s emphasis on kingly composure.

The Brooklyn Museum acquired this ndop in 1961, and it is now one of the most important objects in the Arts of Africa collection. Because ndop are associated with specific dynasties, this work is a significant example of specialized Kuba court art during a particular reign, while representing the regalia, prestige, and importance of a Kuba ruler. Its provenance is also one of the most complete: we can trace this ndop directly to the Kuba kingdom in 1909, the year it was gifted by nyim Kot áPe to the minister of the Belgian Congo.

CULTURE Kuba (Bushoong subgroup) artist

MEDIUM Wood (Crossopteryx febrifuga), tukula, fiber

Place Made: Mushenge (Nsheng), Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

DATES ca. 1760–1780

DIMENSIONS 19 1/2 × 8 × 10 in. (49.5 × 20.3 × 25.4 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Arts of Africa

ACCESSION NUMBER 61.33

CREDIT LINE Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, Mrs. Donald M. Oenslager, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Blum, and the Mrs. Florence A. Blum Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION The figure sits cross-legged on a rectangular platform which is decorated with geometric chain-like bands. His right hand rests on his knee, the left hand holds a ritual knife. The head is large, with finely carved features and a curved hairline. His eyes are closed. The headdress consists of a decorated board atop a cylindrical ring. He wears a belt incised with shell motifs, armbands, bracelets, a rounded shoulder strap, and a belt with richly decorated back apron. In front of him is a cylindrical drum set on a small perforated pedestal. The drum is decorated with a hand and intertwined geometric motifs. Condition: very good. Dark, mellow patina throughout. There is a fine crack down the p. left torso, a larger one at p. left through foot and base. A recessed rectangular patch at p. left jawline. Minor checks at lower back and right pedestal. Some chips at left base, insect holes in base.

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Kuba (Bushoong subgroup) artist. Ndop figure depicting Nyim Mbó Mbóosh (r. ca. 1650), Nyim Mishé miShyááng máMbúl (r. ca. 1710), or Nyim Kot áNée (r. ca. 1740), ca. 1760–1780. Wood (Crossopteryx febrifuga), tukula, fiber, 19 1/2 × 8 × 10 in. (49.5 × 20.3 × 25.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, Mrs. Donald M. Oenslager, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Blum, and the Mrs. Florence A. Blum Fund, 61.33. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 61.33_front_PS2.jpg)

IMAGE front, 61.33_front_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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