Songye ancestor statue - Songye - DR Congo
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Current bid
€ 148
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 300 - € 350
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 | €148 | |
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Wooden Songye ancestor statue from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, originating from the Songye people, 57 cm high, dating to the late 20th century, in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Songye
Material. Wood, nails, Horn
Dimension. 57 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo in 24-48h open
This piece is a remarkable work of Songye art, a ethnic group living mainly in the southeastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It is more precisely a Mankishi (singular of Nkishi), a statue of power or protective fetish.
Sculptural features: The face bears the cubist features typical of the Songye, with large almond-shaped eyes (often compared to coffee beans) and an open mouth, projected forward, creating an expression of tension and strength.
The headdress and the nails: Many metal upholstery nails are driven into the forehead and cheeks. Far from being purely decorative, these nails often symbolize lightning or the aggressive force of the fetish to ward off evil.
The top of the head: The statue is topped with a small point or receptacle where an antelope horn containing magical substances (bishimba) was often inserted.
The beaded neck: The elongated neck features horizontal grooves, a sign of beauty and prestige in Central African sculpture.
Hands on the abdomen: The posture, with hands placed on either side of a protruding navel, emphasizes the importance of the abdomen. Among the Songye, the navel is considered the center of vital energy and the link with the ancestors.
The power of a Nkishi resides not only in the carved wood, but in the elements added by the Nganga (diviner-healer):
The magical charge: The protrusions visible on the belly are cavities filled with bishimba (mixtures of sacred earth, plants, and sometimes animal substances).
The textiles: The base is wrapped with animal skins or old fabrics, fixed by cords, which reinforces the sacred and “activated” aspect of the object.
Social and spiritual use
Protection: This type of statue was used to protect a family or an entire community against witchcraft, disease, or evil spirits.
Intermediary: It serves as a mediator between the world of the living and the spirits. The larger and more ornate the statue, the more it was intended for communal (village) use rather than individual use.
Note: This piece exudes a strong visual force thanks to the dark, crusty patina of the wood, testimony to its use during rituals and repeated application of oils or sacrificial substances.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Songye
Material. Wood, nails, Horn
Dimension. 57 cm
Mode of shipment. Colissimo in 24-48h open
This piece is a remarkable work of Songye art, a ethnic group living mainly in the southeastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It is more precisely a Mankishi (singular of Nkishi), a statue of power or protective fetish.
Sculptural features: The face bears the cubist features typical of the Songye, with large almond-shaped eyes (often compared to coffee beans) and an open mouth, projected forward, creating an expression of tension and strength.
The headdress and the nails: Many metal upholstery nails are driven into the forehead and cheeks. Far from being purely decorative, these nails often symbolize lightning or the aggressive force of the fetish to ward off evil.
The top of the head: The statue is topped with a small point or receptacle where an antelope horn containing magical substances (bishimba) was often inserted.
The beaded neck: The elongated neck features horizontal grooves, a sign of beauty and prestige in Central African sculpture.
Hands on the abdomen: The posture, with hands placed on either side of a protruding navel, emphasizes the importance of the abdomen. Among the Songye, the navel is considered the center of vital energy and the link with the ancestors.
The power of a Nkishi resides not only in the carved wood, but in the elements added by the Nganga (diviner-healer):
The magical charge: The protrusions visible on the belly are cavities filled with bishimba (mixtures of sacred earth, plants, and sometimes animal substances).
The textiles: The base is wrapped with animal skins or old fabrics, fixed by cords, which reinforces the sacred and “activated” aspect of the object.
Social and spiritual use
Protection: This type of statue was used to protect a family or an entire community against witchcraft, disease, or evil spirits.
Intermediary: It serves as a mediator between the world of the living and the spirits. The larger and more ornate the statue, the more it was intended for communal (village) use rather than individual use.
Note: This piece exudes a strong visual force thanks to the dark, crusty patina of the wood, testimony to its use during rituals and repeated application of oils or sacrificial substances.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Songye
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Songye ancestor statue
Height
57 cm
Sold by
