Power figure Nkishi Songye
Nkishi power Fetish in African Art
The African Songye Nkishi fetishes occupy a place of choice in the primitive arts of Central Africa. It is a major fetish on which numerous ritual ceremonies leave traces, adding magical charges, and in this case we note the presence of a double charge, one inserted on the top of the head and closed by a horn and the other at the level of the umbilicus which is closed with amalgams and bone tissue.
The impressive aspect of this fetish does not stop there, the face is covered with a metal plating fixed with traditional nails of the period, the alloy and the erosion of the metal is relatively interesting, it reminds us of a common practice among the Kota of Gabon and their reliquary figures.
The neck of this statue is adorned with a period copper alloy necklace and a traditional glass bead necklace. Above the hands on either side of the abdomen is a belt made of animal skin, a seed necklace around the waist and a skirt made of vegetable fibre.
The position of the arms is classical and well done, which brings the cubic effect so sought after by collectors of African tribal art. Under the skirt, the position of the legs is also a classic of the genre, with the feet resting in an arched position on an imposing cylindrical base.
As for the ritual use of these fetishes, they played an important role in the fertility of the group and the reincarnation of beneficial spirits, protection and healing, the fight against witchcraft and finally martial success.
01897
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 56 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Nkishi power Fetish in African Art
The African Songye Nkishi fetishes occupy a place of choice in the primitive arts of Central Africa. It is a major fetish on which numerous ritual ceremonies leave traces, adding magical charges, and in this case we note the presence of a double charge, one inserted on the top of the head and closed by a horn and the other at the level of the umbilicus which is closed with amalgams and bone tissue.
The impressive aspect of this fetish does not stop there, the face is covered with a metal plating fixed with traditional nails of the period, the alloy and the erosion of the metal is relatively interesting, it reminds us of a common practice among the Kota of Gabon and their reliquary figures.
The neck of this statue is adorned with a period copper alloy necklace and a traditional glass bead necklace. Above the hands on either side of the abdomen is a belt made of animal skin, a seed necklace around the waist and a skirt made of vegetable fibre.
The position of the arms is classical and well done, which brings the cubic effect so sought after by collectors of African tribal art. Under the skirt, the position of the legs is also a classic of the genre, with the feet resting in an arched position on an imposing cylindrical base.
As for the ritual use of these fetishes, they played an important role in the fertility of the group and the reincarnation of beneficial spirits, protection and healing, the fight against witchcraft and finally martial success.