Items Similar to A South Eastern Congo, Zaire Songye Protective Fetish Figure ‘Nkishi’ of Geometr
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
A South Eastern Congo, Zaire Songye Protective Fetish Figure ‘Nkishi’ of Geometr
About the Item
A South Eastern Congo, Zaire Songye Protective Fetish Figure ‘Nkishi’ of Geometric Form the arms placed to the side
A plug of fetish material in the head cavity a strip of old hide and fur around the waist
Old smooth crusted patination
19th Century – Early 20th Century
Size: 20cm high – 8 ins high / 29.5cm high, 11½ ins high (including stand)
The face of this protective figure is typical of the strong angularity of Songye carving. Amongst the Songye ‘Nkishi’ were associated with a magico-religious society known as ‘bukisi’ which controlled initiation camps and circumcision ceremonies. A shaman would ritually add magical substances ‘bashimba’ to activate the figure as a source of power that would give protection and ensure well-being. Larger figures ensured the tranquillity of the whole community and promoted village fecundity and fertility. Smaller personal or family ‘Nkishi’ were used for protection against illness, sorcery, witchcraft, and war and to promote fertility. Due to their considerable powers the figures were considered dangerous and so they were manoeuvred by means of rods or sticks attached to their arms. They were sometimes made to walk as if on parade.
These small half figures were not always used as personal protective devices, but were placed in gourd bowls and used by diviners to communicate with the supernatural world. These divinatory calabash were filled with a number of symbolic objects such as chicken claws, teeth, stones, seeds, etc., as well as carved wooden figures. The Songye’s ritual use of calabash can be compared with the baskets used by the Tshokwe.
Provenance:
Ex English Private collection
Acquired 1950’s
Ex Finch and Co, catalogue number 22, Summer 2014
Ex Private collection
cf: ‘Kilengi, African Art from the Bareiss Family Collection’ C.D. Roy; University of Iowa, Exhibition in 2000, No’s 111, 114 and 115
- Dimensions:Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:19th Century – Early 20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9363239344532
About the Seller
No Reviews Yet
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 1989
1stDibs seller since 2023
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- A Songye Male ‘Power’ FigureLocated in London, GBA Songye Male ‘Power’ Figure Open aperture to the head and stomach Fine overall patina, loss to feet Democratic Republic of Congo 19th Century Size: 23cm high - 9 ins high The ...Category
Antique 19th Century Congolese Tribal Art
MaterialsWood
- An Exceptional Eastern Cape Nguni Pipe Bowl and StemLocated in London, GBAn Exceptional Eastern Cape Nguni Pipe Bowl and Stem Wood, metal Old inscription and dated: ‘1892’ South Africa 19th Century Size: 45.5cm long - 18 ins long Published: ‘The ...Category
Antique 19th Century South African Tribal Art
MaterialsWood
- An Extremely Fine South African Tsonga Prestige Staff by the ‘Baboon Master'Located in London, GBA Rare and Extremely Fine South African Tsonga Prestige Staff by the ‘Baboon Master’ Depicting a Zulu elder wearing a head-ring Superb silky reddish brown patina Late 19th Century ...Category
Antique Late 19th Century South African Tribal Art
MaterialsWood
- A Rare Double Roll of Pacific Solomon Islands, Santa Cruz, Red Feather CurrencyLocated in London, GBA Rare Double Roll of Pacific Solomon Islands, Santa Cruz, Red Feather Currency ‘Tevau’ Plant fibre, bark strips, red bird feathers, small shells, glass beads Solomon Islands ...Category
Antique 19th Century Solomon Islands Tribal Art
MaterialsFeathers
- A Rare and Finely Carved Egyptian Wooden HeadrestLocated in London, GBA Rare and Finely Carved Egyptian Wooden Headrest with a Carved Head to both Sides Representing the God ‘Bes’ (Protector of the Homestead) above Carved...Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Tribal Art
MaterialsWood
- A Fine Fijian Chief’s ‘Yaqona’ or Kava BowlLocated in London, GBA Fine Fijian Chief’s ‘Yaqona’ or Kava Bowl Carved of vesi wood with traces of old residue deposits, with old ‘fibre’ tribal repair Wood, fibre Fiji 19th Century Size: 14cm high,...Category
Antique 19th Century Fijian Tribal Art
MaterialsNatural Fiber, Wood
You May Also Like
- Statue Nkishi People Songye / Songe - Dr Congo African Art Late 19th centuryLocated in Leuven, BEOld / Authentic And Rare Nkishi Statue Songye / Dream People - Dr Congo African Art Period: Late 19th century Height: 17 cm Very beautiful red patina...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Congolese Tribal Art
MaterialsHardwood
- Tribal Style Songye Kifwebe Mask, D. R. CongoLocated in Point Richmond, CAThis graphic Songye Kifwebe mask has fine carved lines curved over the eyes and diagonal lines radiating from the nose and mouth in classic Kifwebe form. ...Category
Late 20th Century Congolese Tribal Masks
MaterialsWood
- Songye Nkisi Power FigureLocated in London, GBA rare and large hand carved horned Songye Nkisi power figure. A ‘Nkisi’ is a protective power figure of the Songye, southeastern Congo. Such sculptures are used as a major role in t...Category
20th Century Congolese Primitive Tribal Art
MaterialsWood
- Songye power figure NkisiLocated in London, GBSongye Power Figure NKISI Provenance: - Private collection, London, United Kingdom Songye Power Sculpture Like the Kongo and other related Bantu cul...Category
20th Century Congolese Tribal Art
MaterialsRaffia, Wood
- Mid-20th Century Ceremonial Comb, Luba People, Zaire, D. R. CongoLocated in Point Richmond, CACeremonial comb, Luba People, Zaire, D. R. Congo Made of palm leaf midribs, this large, graphic comb has a pinched waist and is held together with finely wrapped wire. Presented o...Category
Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
MaterialsWire
- African Art Statue "Fetish Fertility Figure"Located in Norton, MAA precious African Art Statue with oven balls for hair, basket weave texture on the face, and wearing a loin cloth. The brass panels are applied on ...Category
Early 20th Century African Tribal Art
MaterialsWood