An ancient and beautiful anthropomorphic nkisi statuette, a cult and magical object characteristic of the Northern Yaka, whose snub nose, eminently emblematic of Yaka arts, refers to initiation masks and is symbolically linked to elephant imagery, and to that of the phallus as in other ancient cultures around the world. This type of nkisi was also used in rites of protection during the hunt. This Yaka nkisi in the Scharf collection, of superb antiquity, bears witness to this through its expression, at once aggressive and grimacing with exposed teeth, as well as smiling, reassuring and protective, with arms folded over the body in a subtle, flexed movement implying a probable dance movement. This is a very fine example of early Yaka art, confirmed by its superb patina. Yaka, Democratic Republic of Congo 19th or early 20th century Wood, relic of plant resin, old erosion visible on the right arm (woodworm), minor old cracks, superb old patina. H. 31.5 cm Provenance : Jan Olof Ollers Collection, Stockholm Arcade Gallery, London, 1973 Marc Léo Felix, Brussels Collection Hilde and Dieter Scharf, Hamburg, acquired from the latter Publications and exhibitions: Sotheby's, London, March 26, 1973, no. 176 Heymer and Thompson, Sehen lernen. Eine Sammlung afrikanischer Figuren, 1999, pp. 125-126, no. 51 Rochard, Figuren Afrikas. Meisterwerke einer Privatsammlung, 2002, p. 167, no. 67, Ingelheim, Altes Rathaus, April 28 - July 7, 2002