Nkisi Janus - Songye - DR Congo

• Janus Songye nkishi statue

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Dimensions: 45 × 14 cm (58 cm with the horn)

• Materials: wood, brass nails, horn, old trade beads, antelope skin

• Provenance: Richard Dams - Belgium (Dam's collection - artspremiers)

— The Songye knew two types of power statues (minkishi). While larger statues protected the well-being of all members of a village, the smaller ones served for private use by an individual and were commissioned by a diviner (nganga) to meet that person’s specific needs. The Songye addressed prayers to ancestral spirits through personal minkishi for multiple reasons. When some sought to protect their families, ensure a favorable fate or good lineage, others sought to guarantee good hunting or abundant agriculture. Minkishi were also used to protect and heal certain illnesses.

— The surface of both faces of this female figure is covered with brass nails and copper plates. Metal is an essential element for the Songye, who are among the finest blacksmiths of Central Africa. Metal helps to best empower the fetish, as fire and lightning are the supreme elements in relation to gods or spirits. It is therefore very common to find metal elements on Songye figures, such as nails, forged here, or iron or copper plates, as on the face of this figure. Occult forces would not be properly activated if metal did not appear on Songye figures.
A superb piece from an excellent African art dealer in Brussels.

— Sold with the certificate of authenticity signed by Mr. Dams.

— Careful, insured delivery with tracking number.