Crucifix

Date

17th-18th century

Creator

From the earliest days of the formation of the Kongo Catholic Church, crucifixes were common symbols in the country. Many were carried by the peripatetic priests, while others were worn by noblemen as signs of their authority and devotion to Christianity. Borrowing from Portuguese artisans, the crosses were made from imported brass manilas--a common trade item obtained from European merchants. Although the Kongo brass crucifixes initially followed closely from Portuguese models and remained like them through the 1500s, over time a couple of motifs unique to the Kongo emerged. First, Christ's eyes became enlarged and bulbous. Second, three or more praying figures were added, usually with two above Christ's arms and then with the Virgin Mary below his outstretched legs. Additionally, over time the body was stylized in a manner that approximated local Kongo art. The crucifix on display in the Snite Museum is a strong example of this seventeenth and eighteenth-century style, and has appeared before in the journal African Arts. from Morton, Dimensions of Power (South Bend, 2018)