Lot A109 - Songye Power Figure (Nkisi)

Songye Power Figure (Nkisi)

Songye, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Height: 27 cm

Carved wooden standing figure with elongated head, heavy-lidded almond-shaped eyes, and a prominent open mouth. The figure stands upright with hands placed on the abdomen. Around the waist is a skirt of plant fibres, while the neck is adorned with a small necklace with beads and a cowrie shell. Cavities in the torso likely once contained magical substances associated with its ritual function.

Such figures are associated with Songye nkisi power figures, used by ritual specialists to harness spiritual forces for protection, healing, and the resolution of disputes within the community.

Dark brown patina with signs of age and use.

20th century.