Songye statuette - DR Congo
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Description from the seller
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Tribe name. Songye
Material. Wood. Horn
Dimensions. 34 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24–48 hours
This magnificent Songye statuette (from the Democratic Republic of the Congo) displays the traditional stylistic and iconographic characteristics of this customary art.
Here is a detailed description of the piece:
1. Morphology and Posture
Hieratic posture: The figure is depicted standing, firmly set on its original carved wooden base. Its legs are bent, and its hands meet on either side of a prominent, rounded belly, a symbol of life and ancestral power.
Expressive proportions: The face and head occupy a prominent place in relation to the body, a common feature in Songye art that emphasizes the importance of thought, sight, and spiritual speech.
2. Face and Head Attributes
Headdress and corselet: The top of the head is crowned with a conical headdress evoking a horn or ritual crest.
Facial features: The closed or half-closed almond-shaped eyes and slightly open mouth convey a solemn, introspective expression. A long, sculpted chin projection (or geometric beard) in relief descends elegantly over the chest.
Metal inlays: The face is adorned with small metal nails or brass cabochons arranged across the forehead and temples, traditionally serving as protective or magical elements (bishimba).
3. Ornaments and Adornments
Beaded necklace: Several rows of colorful tubular beads encircle the statuette’s neck, alternating mainly between red and yellow.
Belly line: A vertical line of metal nails, similar to those on the face, runs down the torso and belly.
Ritual loincloth: The hips are wrapped in a small loincloth made of plant fibers or coarse fabric, tied at the back.
4. Patina and Materials
Patinated wood: The body has a dark, glossy, aged patina with a sacrificial appearance, bearing witness to handling and ritual anointing over time.
Mounting: The statuette is attached to a modern black display base to enhance its presentation.
Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Tribe name. Songye
Material. Wood. Horn
Dimensions. 34 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24–48 hours
This magnificent Songye statuette (from the Democratic Republic of the Congo) displays the traditional stylistic and iconographic characteristics of this customary art.
Here is a detailed description of the piece:
1. Morphology and Posture
Hieratic posture: The figure is depicted standing, firmly set on its original carved wooden base. Its legs are bent, and its hands meet on either side of a prominent, rounded belly, a symbol of life and ancestral power.
Expressive proportions: The face and head occupy a prominent place in relation to the body, a common feature in Songye art that emphasizes the importance of thought, sight, and spiritual speech.
2. Face and Head Attributes
Headdress and corselet: The top of the head is crowned with a conical headdress evoking a horn or ritual crest.
Facial features: The closed or half-closed almond-shaped eyes and slightly open mouth convey a solemn, introspective expression. A long, sculpted chin projection (or geometric beard) in relief descends elegantly over the chest.
Metal inlays: The face is adorned with small metal nails or brass cabochons arranged across the forehead and temples, traditionally serving as protective or magical elements (bishimba).
3. Ornaments and Adornments
Beaded necklace: Several rows of colorful tubular beads encircle the statuette’s neck, alternating mainly between red and yellow.
Belly line: A vertical line of metal nails, similar to those on the face, runs down the torso and belly.
Ritual loincloth: The hips are wrapped in a small loincloth made of plant fibers or coarse fabric, tied at the back.
4. Patina and Materials
Patinated wood: The body has a dark, glossy, aged patina with a sacrificial appearance, bearing witness to handling and ritual anointing over time.
Mounting: The statuette is attached to a modern black display base to enhance its presentation.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Songye statuette
Height
34 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
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