Songye voorouder -figuur DR Congo - Figure - Congo

Songye ancestor figure – DR Congo
Height 50 cm; wood; horn; hide
Montagut Gallery: 'early 20th century'
an imposing standing male power figure with a face in a distinctive V shape.
stylistically aligned with the Songye of the central region located around and south of Kalebwe.
the feet of the figure and the circular base, which are carved from the same wood, are wrapped with hide. the visible 'paraphernalia' wraps around the torso and is secured with a string.
a dark patina attests to age and ritual use.
Origin: old French collection; ex private collection Montagut Gallery, Barcelona