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-Zaire)
Songyé
Wood
Height: 440 mm + base 34 mm
Width: 100 mm
Depth: 85 mm
Weight: 1520 g
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"
Female Songye statue presented standing, her hands marked by incisions placed along the edge of the belly sculpted in projection.
Wood, old brown patina and dark honey patina, forged metal nails driven into the belly and on the head, back of 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 squared or pointed chin, a slightly 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 large fetishes, intended to protect the communities, were kept in small huts, while the smaller fetishes were reserved for individual use and protected against illness and death. Handling of these fetishes often took place during new moon phases.
The objects are sent with tracking numbers.
Delivery in France by Chronopost in 1 to 2 days. Delivery in 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-Zaire)
Songyé
Wood
Height: 440 mm + base 34 mm
Width: 100 mm
Depth: 85 mm
Weight: 1520 g
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"
Female Songye statue presented standing, her hands marked by incisions placed along the edge of the belly sculpted in projection.
Wood, old brown patina and dark honey patina, forged metal nails driven into the belly and on the head, back of 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 squared or pointed chin, a slightly 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 large fetishes, intended to protect the communities, were kept in small huts, while the smaller fetishes were reserved for individual use and protected against illness and death. Handling of these fetishes often took place during new moon phases.
The objects are sent with tracking numbers.
Delivery in France by Chronopost in 1 to 2 days. Delivery in 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.
