Crucifix c. 18th century

This crucifix was created by an artist from Kongo using wood, brass, and copper. The object presents a stark, linear structure. Its vertical and horizontal axes intersect to form a rigid cross. This is softened by the patinated brass, which gives it a tactile, human quality. The figure of Christ is centrally positioned, its copper hue a focal point against the darker wood. However, what destabilizes this familiar Christian symbol are the two smaller figures flanking the crossbeam. They are rendered in a style distinct from the European-influenced Christ figure. Do they represent spirits, ancestors, or perhaps a visual assertion of Kongo cosmology? In their positioning, these figures challenge the singular narrative of the crucifixion. They transform the cross from a symbol of solely Christian suffering into a complex intersection of belief systems. This interplay invites us to consider the cross not as a fixed icon, but as a site of syncretism. It marks the fusion of different cultural and spiritual meanings.