Triple Crucifix

Kongo artist

16th–17th century (central figure); 18th–19th century (top and bottom figures) · Open-back cast brass (central figure), solid cast brass (top and bottom figures), forged iron nails, brass, copper, wood, ultramarine pigment · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

This composite artifact may be an interpretation of the Trinity. The three individually cast Christ figures were affixed to the wood cross with nails and copper loops. The central one is more finely rendered and may be earlier in date. Among the varieties of European crosses in eighteenth-century Kongo that may have served as a point of reference was the Caravaca form, brought to the region by Capuchin missionaries. It incorporates double crossbars with a lower horizontal extension of angels.

Artist

Kongo artist

Date

16th–17th century (central figure); 18th–19th century (top and bottom figures)

Medium

Open-back cast brass (central figure), solid cast brass (top and bottom figures), forged iron nails, brass, copper, wood, ultramarine pigment

Culture

Kongo

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Gift of Ernst Anspach, 1999