Large Songye Nkishi power figure
€500.00
Art and power in the Congo
This large African statue was sculpted and accessorized in Songye territory, Democratic Republic of Congo.
This nkishi Songye fetish, given its size, was intended for the protection of the village.
His power is an integral part of his sculpture but is greatly reinforced by the additional elements that accompany it: loincloth, horns at the top, at the belt and in the ears, nails in the eyes, metal plate stuck in the trunk.
All these elements contribute to the protective power of the nkishi. The summit horn still embedded in the skull must be filled with a bishimba, a magic charge made by the master of divination.
The Songye African statues were carried around on stretchers as seen in a pop-up photo. They are generally powerful and solid in appearance with a geometric approach.
01959
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- 2nd half XXth
- Size
- 81 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Art and power in the Congo
This large African statue was sculpted and accessorized in Songye territory, Democratic Republic of Congo.
This nkishi Songye fetish, given its size, was intended for the protection of the village.
His power is an integral part of his sculpture but is greatly reinforced by the additional elements that accompany it: loincloth, horns at the top, at the belt and in the ears, nails in the eyes, metal plate stuck in the trunk.
All these elements contribute to the protective power of the nkishi. The summit horn still embedded in the skull must be filled with a bishimba, a magic charge made by the master of divination.
The Songye African statues were carried around on stretchers as seen in a pop-up photo. They are generally powerful and solid in appearance with a geometric approach.