Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Ndop Portrait of King Mishe miShyaang maMbul

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Ndop Portrait of King Mishe miShyaang maMbul

Since at least the eighteenth century, every Kuba king has been commemorated with a carved wooden portrait called an ndop. These figures validate the king's claim to dynastic succession and are considered his "spirit double," the material counterpart to his soul. The king is always portrayed in the prime of life with no physical imperfections, since it was believed that the king's health and well-being reflected the state of the nation. He is represented wearing the flat headdress and ritual knife that were symbols of his office. Two additional features identify the particular reign: a distinctive geometric motif around the base and an emblem placed in front of the king. This figure has been identified this figure as Mishe miShyaang maMbul, who reigned in the early years of the eighteenth century. It is  considered the earliest of all the surviving ndop figures.


• Culture: Bushoong Kuba
• Medium: Wood (crossopterix febrifuga), camwood powder
• Place Made: Lulua Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dates: 18th century
• Dimensions: 19 1/2 x 7 5/8 x 8 5/8 in. (49.5 x 19.4 x 21.9 cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 61.33
• Credit Line: Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, Mrs. Donald M. Oenslager, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Blum, and the Mrs. Florence A. Blum Fund
• Image: Overall, 61.33_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
Bushoong Kuba. Ndop Portrait of King Mishe miShyaang maMbul, 18th century. Wood (crossopterix febrifuga), camwood powder, 19 1/2 x 7 5/8 x 8 5/8 in. (49.5 x 19.4 x 21.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, Mrs. Donald M. Oenslager, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Blum, and the Mrs. Florence A. Blum Fund, 61.33 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 61.33_PS2.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: The figure sits cross-legged on a rectangular platform which is decorated with geometric chain-like bands. His right hand rests on his knee, the left hand holds a ritual knife. The head is large, with finely carved features and a curved hairline. His eyes are closed. The headdress consists of a decorated board atop a cylindrical ring. He wears a belt incised with shell motifs, armbands, bracelets, a rounded shoulder strap, and a belt with richly decorated back apron. In front of him is a cylindrical drum set on a small perforated pedestal. The drum is decorated with a hand and intertwined geometric motifs. Condition: very good. Dark, mellow patina throughout. There is a fine crack down the p. left torso, a larger one at p. left through foot and base. A recessed rectangular patch at p. left jawline. Minor checks at lower back and right pedestal. Some chips at left base, insect holes in base.