Lot A95 - Songye Power Figure (Nkisi)

Songye Power Figure (Nkisi)

Songye people, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Height: 28 cm

Carved wooden power figure (Nkisi) standing on a circular base. The figure displays an elongated head with a pronounced central ridge, heavy-lidded almond-shaped eyes, and a projecting mouth with open, circular form. The neck is cylindrical and supports a compact torso with squared shoulders and bent arms framing the abdomen.

The hands rest at the stomach, which features a recessed cavity, likely intended to contain empowering substances (bishimba). Open spaces beneath the arms and between the legs emphasize the sculptural form. The feet are firmly planted on a raised base with simple carved detail.

The surface shows a dark brown patina with visible wear and age-related cracking, particularly along the head.

Such figures served protective and ritual functions within Songye communities, embodying spiritual forces activated by a ritual specialist.