Songye, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A ‘Nkisi’ power figure, the face covered with copper.
A typical, old 'Nkisi' power figure of the Songye from Southeast Congo. Made of hard, heavy wood, coloured black and brown. The typical Songye face, with protruding, angular mouth and square chin, is covered with stripes of hallmarked sheet copper on the forehead and nose as well as along its cheeks. ‘Charged’ with ‘magic material’ by the sorcerer-priest: a small, black horn is inserted at the crown, with feathers. The copper on the face is also intended to provide this figure with ‘powers’. The same applies to the necklace of light-coloured seed capsules and the ‘magic bundle’ tied around the waist of the ‘Nkisi’. Pieces of dried animal skin are applied on the chin as well as on the hips. A 'classic' 'Nkisi' power figure of the Songye people, with many attributes, and with good age patina. Minor damage (two tears at the round base plate). First half of the 20th century; H: 43 cm. (ME)
Literature: 'Songye' by Francois Neyt, ill. 165, 166, 169, 179.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
24.03.2014 - 16:00
- Estimate:
-
EUR 3,600.- to EUR 4,000.-
Songye, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A ‘Nkisi’ power figure, the face covered with copper.
A typical, old 'Nkisi' power figure of the Songye from Southeast Congo. Made of hard, heavy wood, coloured black and brown. The typical Songye face, with protruding, angular mouth and square chin, is covered with stripes of hallmarked sheet copper on the forehead and nose as well as along its cheeks. ‘Charged’ with ‘magic material’ by the sorcerer-priest: a small, black horn is inserted at the crown, with feathers. The copper on the face is also intended to provide this figure with ‘powers’. The same applies to the necklace of light-coloured seed capsules and the ‘magic bundle’ tied around the waist of the ‘Nkisi’. Pieces of dried animal skin are applied on the chin as well as on the hips. A 'classic' 'Nkisi' power figure of the Songye people, with many attributes, and with good age patina. Minor damage (two tears at the round base plate). First half of the 20th century; H: 43 cm. (ME)
Literature: 'Songye' by Francois Neyt, ill. 165, 166, 169, 179.
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: | 24.03.2014 - 16:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 18.03. - 24.03.2014 |