McClusky The Fetish and the Imagination of Europe

The Fetish and the Imagination of Europe

Sacred Medicines of the Kongo

• Definition of 'Fetish':

  • A term used by Europeans to describe various African objects, varying from necklaces to sculptures.

  • Valued by Africans for their power of 'enchantment' and believed to be animated by spirits.

  • Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud later adapted the term to discuss economic fixations and sexual perversions, respectively.

• Curator's Experience:

  • Often receives calls about African art referred to as 'fetishes'.

  • Owners express discomfort over the supernatural qualities attributed to these objects.

  • The curator feels a shift from art appreciation to acting as an exorcist.

The Kongo Kingdom

• Historical Context:

  • The late 19th-early 20th century figure nkondi: a representation of vengeance with nails driven into its body.

  • Originated from a kingdom with extensive trade relations with Portugal beginning in 1483.

• Portuguese Encounter:

  • The Kongo kingdom renowned for its governance, established diplomacy and settlement with Portuguese explorers.

  • The first encounter between the Kongo king and Portuguese emissaries highlighted a complex exchange, leading to baptism and Christianity's spread.

Slavery and Economic Exploitation

• Rise of the Slave Trade:

  • Afonso I, king of Kongo, eventually opened the door for the slave trade due to economic pressures and outside demands.

  • By the 1600s, a significant number of people were trafficked across the Atlantic.

• Afonso I's Despair:

  • Letters reveal the king's distress over the disruption caused by slavery and the loss of his people.

  • He sought to protect his kingdom by emphasizing the need for priests and teachers instead of merchants and slave traders.

The Destruction of Cultural Icons

• Impact of European Colonization:

  • Many traditional Kongo figures were destroyed under the belief that Christianity would replace paganism.

  • Accounts indicate thousands were burned as symbols of failed pagan traditions.

• Narrative of Kongo Art:

  • European observers often deemed Kongo art as superstitious without understanding its cultural significance.

Kongo Art and Spiritual Practices

• Concept of Nkisi:

  • Nkisi are sacred medicines, pivotal in Kongo healing practices, believed to embody life and health.

  • Nkondi figures serve a dual role in social mediation and conflict resolution.

• Role of Nganga:

  • Priests/diviners (nganga) play significant roles in Kongo rituals and community health, demonstrating the intricate weave of belief and daily life.

Ongoing Influence and Legacy

• Congo's Cultural Footprint:

  • Kongo roots persist in contemporary African Diaspora cultures in music and spirituality.

  • Artists like David Hammons and Renée Stout reinterpret Kongo aesthetics, showing the enduring power of Kongo influences in modern art.

• Continuous Engagement:

  • The narrative of Kongo art evolves, challenging historical perspectives on cultural exchange and the term 'fetish', promoting a deeper understanding of African traditions.