Nkisi fetish figure Songye - SOLD OUT
The Songye of the Katanga and Kasai regions of the Congo are closely related to the Luba with whom they are related in both cultures and language.Spirits of the dead, Mikishi, either benevolant or malevolant, were of great importance to the Songye and played a significant role in the daily life of individuals.The small and large power figures, Mankishi (sing. Nkishi), which served either individuals or entire communities, were ineffective until activated with Manga, concoctions of magic substances, applied by a trained specialists who held the mystical knowledge required to deal with the spirits.The distinctive Kifwebe mask was used by the Bwadi society of both the Songye and neighbouring Luba. The tradition is thought to date from around 1900. There are both male and female forms of the masks. Shields with carved Kifwebe masks at the centre were hung on the walls where the masks were stored.SpecsOriginEx private collection BelgiumSize41 x 10 cmDatingCirca 1960Material(s)Wood
00030
Data sheet
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
Customers who bought this product also bought:
The Songye of the Katanga and Kasai regions of the Congo are closely related to the Luba with whom they are related in both cultures and language.Spirits of the dead, Mikishi, either benevolant or malevolant, were of great importance to the Songye and played a significant role in the daily life of individuals.The small and large power figures, Mankishi (sing. Nkishi), which served either individuals or entire communities, were ineffective until activated with Manga, concoctions of magic substances, applied by a trained specialists who held the mystical knowledge required to deal with the spirits.The distinctive Kifwebe mask was used by the Bwadi society of both the Songye and neighbouring Luba. The tradition is thought to date from around 1900. There are both male and female forms of the masks. Shields with carved Kifwebe masks at the centre were hung on the walls where the masks were stored.SpecsOriginEx private collection BelgiumSize41 x 10 cmDatingCirca 1960Material(s)Wood