Statue - Songye - DR Congo (No reserve price)

Originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Songye statues are emblematic sculptures of African art, renowned for their expressiveness and spiritual charge. Carved in dense woods such as ebony or mututi, these statues are distinguished by their imposing silhouette, angular features, and often hieratic posture.
Songye statues are characterized by a square or rectangular face, a prominent forehead, almond-shaped eyes, and a mouth sometimes slightly open, conveying strength and authority. Their bodies, often stylized, may feature folded arms or hands resting on the belly, a symbol of power or protection. Some statues bear ritual scars or geometric motifs, reinforcing their sacred dimension.
Covered with a dark or reddish patina, obtained by applying natural pigments and oil, these statues are sometimes adorned with nails, metal, or horns—elements added to activate their magical power. These accessories, called bilongo, are used to channel spiritual forces and to enhance the statue's effectiveness in its role of protection or mediation.
In Songye tradition, these statues, called Kifwebe or Nkisi, play a central role in protection, healing, or justice rituals. They embody ancestral spirits or supernatural entities, and are used by diviners, chiefs, or healers to intercede with the invisible forces. Their manufacture, reserved for initiated sculptors, follows a strict protocol, including offerings and incantations to 'awaken' the statue.


Introduction to our expertise firm

Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.

We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

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