Protective fetishes in traditional African art

These spectacular protective African statues are among the most prized in Africa and are used by the Songye.

Nkisi (Nkishi) is a mediator between the divine and the men.

This fetish statue here is large, so it was meant to protect a family or a community. There are larger and smaller ones. Ranging from the protection of an entire village to personal protection for the smaller ones.

Note the presence of metal veneers on the face, as well as nails, metal blades and bracelets.

These props had to increase the power of the statue and to bring on it the misfortune and the lightning in order to separate it from the humans.

This beautiful, visibly old, monoxyle piece stands on a circular base, its angular arms bent. A thick raffia cap is still present.