Name of Artifact: The Spirit of the Serpent
Original Country: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Year of Production: 15th century
Location Now: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

Background Information:
This artifact, titled The Spirit of the Serpent, is a wooden sculpture that blends animal and human forms in an intricate design. It is a representation of traditional African art from the Democratic Republic of Congo, crafted in the 19th century. The sculpture is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection and was featured in the “African Origin of Civilization” exhibition. The piece symbolizes the deep spiritual and cultural beliefs of the indigenous communities, reflecting their connection with both the natural and supernatural worlds. The dynamic depiction of the serpent, combined with the human-like face, showcases the cultural significance of animals in African storytelling and symbolism.