STATUETTE SÎNGE- MANKISHI - DR Congo
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 280 - € 330
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Songye
Material. Wood
Dimension. 36 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open
This sculpture represents a fetishe monkey, more precisely a Mankishi (or figure of power), originating from the Songye ethnicity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Here is a detailed description of its physical and symbolic characteristics:
1. Physical Aspect and Material
Material: It is carved in dense wood, covered with a dark, thick crusty patina. This texture results from successive applications of organic substances (sacrificial blood, oils, earth) during rituals.
Posture: The monkey is depicted crouching on a circular base. Its hands are raised to the level of its cheeks or ears, a classic posture in African art that can symbolize reflection, pain, or protection against malignant influences.
Facial features: The face is stylized with prominent brow ridges and an open mouth showing a cavity, enhancing the expressive and dynamic aspect of the piece.
2. Ritual Elements and Symbolism
The ventral cavity (Abdomen): There is a large circular opening at the belly level. Among the Songye, this space is intended to receive the “bishimba,” a magical charge made of secret ingredients (herbs, animal or mineral substances) that gives the fetishe its protective or healing power.
Animality: The monkey is a recurring motif in Central African art. It is often seen as a mediator between the human world and the forest spirits.
3. Cultural Use
This type of object is not mere decoration but an apotropaic instrument (intended to ward off bad luck). It was used by a diviner-healer (Nganga) to protect a family or community against diseases, witches, or to ensure fertility.
Expert note: The condition of the patina and the presence of the ventral cavity suggest that this object had an active ritual life before joining a collection.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Songye
Material. Wood
Dimension. 36 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h open
This sculpture represents a fetishe monkey, more precisely a Mankishi (or figure of power), originating from the Songye ethnicity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Here is a detailed description of its physical and symbolic characteristics:
1. Physical Aspect and Material
Material: It is carved in dense wood, covered with a dark, thick crusty patina. This texture results from successive applications of organic substances (sacrificial blood, oils, earth) during rituals.
Posture: The monkey is depicted crouching on a circular base. Its hands are raised to the level of its cheeks or ears, a classic posture in African art that can symbolize reflection, pain, or protection against malignant influences.
Facial features: The face is stylized with prominent brow ridges and an open mouth showing a cavity, enhancing the expressive and dynamic aspect of the piece.
2. Ritual Elements and Symbolism
The ventral cavity (Abdomen): There is a large circular opening at the belly level. Among the Songye, this space is intended to receive the “bishimba,” a magical charge made of secret ingredients (herbs, animal or mineral substances) that gives the fetishe its protective or healing power.
Animality: The monkey is a recurring motif in Central African art. It is often seen as a mediator between the human world and the forest spirits.
3. Cultural Use
This type of object is not mere decoration but an apotropaic instrument (intended to ward off bad luck). It was used by a diviner-healer (Nganga) to protect a family or community against diseases, witches, or to ensure fertility.
Expert note: The condition of the patina and the presence of the ventral cavity suggest that this object had an active ritual life before joining a collection.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
STATUETTE SÎNGE- MANKISHI
Height
36 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
