Songye - DR Congo






With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
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Description from the seller
Congo (ex-Zaïre)
Songyé
Wood
Height: 440mm + base 34mm
Width: 100mm
Depth: 85mm
Weight: 1520g
Provenance:
Pierre Dartevelle Brussels
Millon sale of 07/04/2022
Private collection
Delivered with its certificate of authenticity dated 15/04/2022 from the appraisal company "Original Expert"
Songye female statue presented standing, her hands marked by incisions placed along the edge of the abdomen sculpted in projection.
Wood, old brown patina and dark honey patina, forged metal nails driven into the abdomen and on the head, posterior glass-bead necklace.
The Songye statues are numerous. Generally male, they stand on a circular base, have an elongated torso and hands resting on the abdomen. Their large head has a square or pointed chin, a half-open mouth and a triangular nose. Sometimes these statues are suspended for apotropaic purposes inside houses, thanks to iron hooks passed under the arms. The great fetishes, meant to protect communities, were kept in small huts, while the smaller fetishes were reserved for individual use and protected against illness and death. Manipulations of these fetishes often took place during the new moon phases.
The objects are shipped with a tracking number.
Delivery in France by Chronopost in 1 to 2 days. Delivery to the European Union by Chronopost International in 3 to 5 days. Delivery by Colissimo International for the rest of Europe and for the whole world.
We speak English.
Seller's Story
Congo (ex-Zaïre)
Songyé
Wood
Height: 440mm + base 34mm
Width: 100mm
Depth: 85mm
Weight: 1520g
Provenance:
Pierre Dartevelle Brussels
Millon sale of 07/04/2022
Private collection
Delivered with its certificate of authenticity dated 15/04/2022 from the appraisal company "Original Expert"
Songye female statue presented standing, her hands marked by incisions placed along the edge of the abdomen sculpted in projection.
Wood, old brown patina and dark honey patina, forged metal nails driven into the abdomen and on the head, posterior glass-bead necklace.
The Songye statues are numerous. Generally male, they stand on a circular base, have an elongated torso and hands resting on the abdomen. Their large head has a square or pointed chin, a half-open mouth and a triangular nose. Sometimes these statues are suspended for apotropaic purposes inside houses, thanks to iron hooks passed under the arms. The great fetishes, meant to protect communities, were kept in small huts, while the smaller fetishes were reserved for individual use and protected against illness and death. Manipulations of these fetishes often took place during the new moon phases.
The objects are shipped with a tracking number.
Delivery in France by Chronopost in 1 to 2 days. Delivery to the European Union by Chronopost International in 3 to 5 days. Delivery by Colissimo International for the rest of Europe and for the whole world.
We speak English.
