Collection
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Arts of Africa

Ndop figure depicting Nyim Mbó Mbóosh (r. ca. 1650), Nyim Mishé miShyááng máMbúl (r. ca. 1710), or Nyim Kot áNée (r. ca. 1740)

Kuba (Bushoong subgroup)

1 of 5

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As a sign of royal authority and to link a monarch with a dynasty, Kuba nyim (kings) would commission portraits in the form of ndop (statues). Each nyim’s ndop would portray characteristics unique to that king. Seated on a platform-throne, this figure wears or holds royal garments, including a long-brimmed headdress, knife, cowrie belt, and armbands. Cowrie shells symbolize Wóót, the Kuba kingdom’s mythical founder. Like many ndop, this one bears a calm expression, emphasizing the Kuba people’s emphasis on kingly composure.

The Brooklyn Museum acquired this ndop in 1961, and it is now one of the most important objects in the Arts of Africa collection. Because ndop are associated with specific dynasties, this work is a significant example of specialized Kuba court art during a particular reign, while representing the regalia, prestige, and importance of a Kuba ruler. Its provenance is also one of the most complete: we can trace this ndop directly to the Kuba kingdom in 1909, the year it was gifted by nyim Kot áPe to the minister of the Belgian Congo.

Object Label

Kuba sculptors created ndop to represent the concept of leadership and contain the ruler’s life essence. Like sculptures created in pharaonic Egypt millennia earlier, ndop (literally, “statue,” a commissioned royal portrait) indicate status with royal regalia and standardized poses. Seated on a platform-throne, this figure wears or holds royal garments, including a long-brimmed headdress; knife; and a cowrie belt and armbands. Cowrie shells symbolize Wóót, the Kuba kingdom’s mythical founder. Each ndop bears the same calm expression, emphasizing the value Kuba society places on composure. This sculpture is linked to three nyim (kings): Mbó Mbóosh, Mishé miShyááng máMbúl, and Kot áNée—a reflection of how highly the Kuba prized uniformity in ndop.

Caption

Kuba (Bushoong subgroup). Ndop figure depicting Nyim Mbó Mbóosh (r. ca. 1650), Nyim Mishé miShyááng máMbúl (r. ca. 1710), or Nyim Kot áNée (r. ca. 1740), ca. 1760–1780. Wood (Crossopteryx febrifuga), tukula, fiber, 19 1/2 × 8 × 10 in. (49.5 × 20.3 × 25.4 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)

Gallery

Not on view

Collection

Arts of Africa

Title

Ndop figure depicting Nyim Mbó Mbóosh (r. ca. 1650), Nyim Mishé miShyááng máMbúl (r. ca. 1710), or Nyim Kot áNée (r. ca. 1740)

Date

ca. 1760–1780

Medium

Wood (Crossopteryx febrifuga), tukula, fiber

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

19 1/2 × 8 × 10 in. (49.5 × 20.3 × 25.4 cm)

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

Accession Number

61.33

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Artists and makers

Kuba (Bushoong subgroup)

36 works in the collection

Exhibitions