Nkishi Songye power figure
Traditional statuary in African art Songye
This African statue of Songye origin is a type of nkishi, that is to say a fetish whose primary goal is the protection of its owner, as well as his family or even his village for the largest examples of mankishi like one can be seen carried on a stretcher in the context photo.
Presence of a pretty top horn inserted upside down, the hard face with drawn eyes giving off character. The ringed neck sufficiently gives an impression of height which gives it a beautiful finesse of sculpture. Beautiful posture of the shoulders, the pointed breasts, classic position of the hands along the abdomen, surrounding the magical load placed traditionally.
A period loincloth surrounds the waist of this statue, which is placed on a round plinth with customary patina.
These so-called "power" traditional African art statues range from a few centimeters high to sometimes more than a meter for the largest. Songye statues or close subgroups such as the Kalebwe or the Tetela can also be representations of ancestors. The piece I am offering you here is in any case still well accompanied by its ritual protective accessories, including the top horn still loaded. Note the exaggeratedly elongated chest, very aesthetic, like the superb ringed neck.
02265
Data sheet
- Size
- 49 cm (horn included)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Traditional statuary in African art Songye
This African statue of Songye origin is a type of nkishi, that is to say a fetish whose primary goal is the protection of its owner, as well as his family or even his village for the largest examples of mankishi like one can be seen carried on a stretcher in the context photo.
Presence of a pretty top horn inserted upside down, the hard face with drawn eyes giving off character. The ringed neck sufficiently gives an impression of height which gives it a beautiful finesse of sculpture. Beautiful posture of the shoulders, the pointed breasts, classic position of the hands along the abdomen, surrounding the magical load placed traditionally.
A period loincloth surrounds the waist of this statue, which is placed on a round plinth with customary patina.
These so-called "power" traditional African art statues range from a few centimeters high to sometimes more than a meter for the largest. Songye statues or close subgroups such as the Kalebwe or the Tetela can also be representations of ancestors. The piece I am offering you here is in any case still well accompanied by its ritual protective accessories, including the top horn still loaded. Note the exaggeratedly elongated chest, very aesthetic, like the superb ringed neck.