Songye Beneki ancestor figure
Artistic conceptions of the Basongye
This African wooden statue is of Songye Beneki origin, a particular stylistic current in the artistic corpus of the Basongye.
The Songye fetishes and statues are well known in African art for their magical power, the famous mankishi.
The traditional statue offered here is actually an ancestor effigy rather than an nkishi fetish.
Indeed, it is devoid of the classic ritual accessories found in mankishi: horns, bags, pearls, nails,...
Only the bare wooden statue remains here in all its splendour. The patina is dark and lustrous. She is one of the so-called "smiling" statues with her V-shaped mouth.
Many elements should be noted: the base first, on which rest the arched feet where the nails are detailed. The protruding belly then on which are placed the hands from which the thumbs stand out as on the greatest masterpieces.
Finally, the very typical and expressive face, surmounted by a headdress pulled back.
This piece comes from the American J. A. Gibb collection in Illinois.
01945
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- +/- 30 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- J. A. Gibb, Peoria, USA
- Condition
- Excellent
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Artistic conceptions of the Basongye
This African wooden statue is of Songye Beneki origin, a particular stylistic current in the artistic corpus of the Basongye.
The Songye fetishes and statues are well known in African art for their magical power, the famous mankishi.
The traditional statue offered here is actually an ancestor effigy rather than an nkishi fetish.
Indeed, it is devoid of the classic ritual accessories found in mankishi: horns, bags, pearls, nails,...
Only the bare wooden statue remains here in all its splendour. The patina is dark and lustrous. She is one of the so-called "smiling" statues with her V-shaped mouth.
Many elements should be noted: the base first, on which rest the arched feet where the nails are detailed. The protruding belly then on which are placed the hands from which the thumbs stand out as on the greatest masterpieces.
Finally, the very typical and expressive face, surmounted by a headdress pulled back.
This piece comes from the American J. A. Gibb collection in Illinois.