Frans Snel, agent of the Rotterdam-based New African Trading Company, worked in the border region of Angola and DR Congo, including the Cabinda enclave, in the early 20th century.
He got hold of the Nkisi Kondo, which he sold to the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam in 1906.
There are four possibilities for how he got hold of it:
- He “obtained” it directly from the owners (very unlikely).
- He acquired it through one intermediary (possible).
- He bought it or received it as a gift.
- He got it from another European colonial party.
Although we may never know exactly how it happened, the acquisition took place in very unequal power relations and we must assume involuntary loss of possession.
