Superb African Tribal Art Songye Nkisi Power Figure Collectible No Reserve For Sale

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Superb African Tribal Art SONGYE Nkisi PowerFigure

Dimesion

1/2"W x9 1/2"D

Wood,Beads,metal, calabash, Animal Skin & more

Early-Mid 20th Century

Age Cracks,Overall condition good, Old Wood deterioration, chips and scrapes.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo

This is a Superb African Tribal Art SONGYE Figure. The Songye made power figures, Nkisi (singular) and Mankishi (plural), to combat witchcraft and sorcery. They were benign and were believed to bring good, promote fertility and success, vanquish enemies and protect from evil. Large ones were owned by and served the community; small ones were for individual families. Adorned with additional objects, Bajimba, with magical properties (horns, skins, teeth, hair, feathers, beads, tacks, cloth, etc.), they gained their power not from the carver but from the Nganga, or spiritual leader. Their carving was considered secondary to their power. Often too powerful to touch, they were moved with long sticks. Although protective, these are confrontational objects, with a warrior's attitude.

The Songye live on the left bank of the Lualaba River in an area of savanna crossed by numerous major river systems. They have a long history of migration and cultural interchange with the Hemba, Kuba, Tetela, Luluwa and especially with the Luba from whom they are said to have originated. Magical beliefs and practice are widespread among the Songye people who use figures such as this on family or village altars where they contact the spirits of ancestors, nature spirits, and where offerings and prayers are given.

The age of the object can be seen in the wear of the surface through long use on the figure. This figure were probably used for family or individual shrine. Though considered to be a medium sculpture this is an impressive and well carved example of Songye art probably from the early to themid 20th century and a good sculptural example of Songye Art.

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This item has been shown 283 times. Superb African Tribal Art Songye Nkisi Power Figure Collectible No Reserve: $282