From the south of Congo, a strong erect ‘Nkisi’ figure of the Songye. ’Nkisi’ are figures of strength and protection meant to alleviate births and help against illnesses, witchcraft, theft, and general misfortune. They are also used for divinations and soothsaying. Their inner ‘strength’ gets activated by the village magi-priests (Nganga) whereby ‘magical material’ is ritually placed on the top of the head of the ‘Nkisi’ and on the abdomen as well as in attached belts. There are big ‘Nkisi’ sculptures protecting entire village communities and smaller figures tailored to protect individuals -- as is the case with the present one.
The present typical ‘Nkisi’ figure of the Songye is made of hard brown wood. The large, wide sits on an elongated neck, the eyes are closely aligned above a small wide nose. The mouth and chin are characteristically protruding. There are remnants of a layer of black tree resin on the chin (having once served to attach a ‘beard’ perhaps). The shoulders are wide, the arms bent and the hand rest on both sides upon the forward bulging abdomen (as is the case with all ‘Nkisi’ figures). Short, bent and apart, the legs step with big feet on a hemispheric plinth carved continuous with the rest. Around the sculpture's hips is a skirt made of old striped palm thread fabric. The ‘magic material’ lending this ‘Nkisi’ its power is to be found in cavities on the head and in the middle of the abdomen (both are sealed with resin), as well as in a thin leather belt on the chest. A perfect ‘Nkisi’ power figure of the Songye in the ‘central style of the Kalebwe ya Ngongo’ (following classification of Francois Neyt). With minor age-related tears on the head and torso (left side), as well as on the plinth (on the front). Possessing good, age patina, ‘soft’ rounded edges and noticeable shiny spots as a result of protracted use. Height: 62 cm; first third of the 20th century (c. 1920). (ME)

Provenance:
Van Steffen Collection, Belgium; Rut Van Caelenbergh Collection, Brussels; Austrian Private Collection.

Lit.:
'Songye' by Francois Neyt, ill. 177, 179, 180, 188, 197, 198, 229, 263.