Songye Head
€300.00
Songye power statues, called nkisi (pl. minkisi), are African art figures originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo. These fetishes are renowned for their role in magico-religious practices aimed at protecting the community or harming enemies.
A distinctive feature of these statues is the presence of an animal horn inserted at the top of the head as seen on the example I am offering you here.
This horn is intended to be filled with magical substances (constituting the bishimba magical charge) and is supposed to channel spiritual forces, thus reinforcing the power of the fetish.
The minkisi are also decorated with other elements such as nails, leather straps or beads as well as metal plates also present here, each contributing to their symbolic effectiveness.
This imposing head was originally supposed to belong to a large statue.
Shipping fees
02561
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 50 cm with support
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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Songye power statues, called nkisi (pl. minkisi), are African art figures originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo. These fetishes are renowned for their role in magico-religious practices aimed at protecting the community or harming enemies.
A distinctive feature of these statues is the presence of an animal horn inserted at the top of the head as seen on the example I am offering you here.
This horn is intended to be filled with magical substances (constituting the bishimba magical charge) and is supposed to channel spiritual forces, thus reinforcing the power of the fetish.
The minkisi are also decorated with other elements such as nails, leather straps or beads as well as metal plates also present here, each contributing to their symbolic effectiveness.
This imposing head was originally supposed to belong to a large statue.