Songye, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A ‘nkisi’ power figure, with two ‘magical horns’.
A male ‘nkisi’ power figure from the Songye in southeastern Congo. Made of very hard wood, carved in typical Songye style (according to the stylistic classification of François Neyt: ‘second western tradition’). Loaded and hung with numerous ‘magic materials’: with two antelope horns on the head. One protrudes from the crown towards the front, the other comes out of the left eye of the ‘nkisi’ and points upwards. Both horns have been set by means of black tree resin. The neck is wrapped by a chain of large white-blue glass pearls (old type!). An animal tooth hangs on it as an amulet. An iron bell is attached to the right arm of the figure, the left arm displays a short chain with a pearl and a snail (broken). The head and abdomen are adorned with brass decorative nails. A piece with patina and heavy, age-related weathering on the plinth, on the left leg and left arm. First third of the 20th century.; H: c. 50 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Jo Christiaens, Bruges, Belgium.
Lit.: ‘Songye' by Francois Neyt, ill. 64, 272.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 3,750.-
- Estimate:
-
EUR 5,000.- to EUR 7,000.-
Songye, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A ‘nkisi’ power figure, with two ‘magical horns’.
A male ‘nkisi’ power figure from the Songye in southeastern Congo. Made of very hard wood, carved in typical Songye style (according to the stylistic classification of François Neyt: ‘second western tradition’). Loaded and hung with numerous ‘magic materials’: with two antelope horns on the head. One protrudes from the crown towards the front, the other comes out of the left eye of the ‘nkisi’ and points upwards. Both horns have been set by means of black tree resin. The neck is wrapped by a chain of large white-blue glass pearls (old type!). An animal tooth hangs on it as an amulet. An iron bell is attached to the right arm of the figure, the left arm displays a short chain with a pearl and a snail (broken). The head and abdomen are adorned with brass decorative nails. A piece with patina and heavy, age-related weathering on the plinth, on the left leg and left arm. First third of the 20th century.; H: c. 50 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Jo Christiaens, Bruges, Belgium.
Lit.: ‘Songye' by Francois Neyt, ill. 64, 272.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
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