Brass male figure in shape of crucifix with arms extended up and at an angle; hole through each hand and through top foot

Crucifix, 19th century

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Gift of Marc Leo Felixexpand_more  92.36

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The Kongo kingdom flourished from 1450 to 1700 as a vast, centralized African state on the Atlantic coast south of the equator. Christianity was adopted as a state religion at the end of the 15th century, and over the next 200 years Portuguese missionaries introduced crucifixes, devotional objects, and figures of saints, all of which were copied by Kongo artists. Incorporated into local religious practices that combined the two traditions, objects like this small crucifix were potent aids to piety and ritual.

Details
Title
Crucifix
Role
Artist
Accession Number
92.36
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Brass male figure in shape of crucifix with arms extended up and at an angle; hole through each hand and through top foot