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An important Songye Nkisi Community power figure, Democratic…
Lot No.
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Description:
An important Songye Nkisi Community power figure, Democratic Republic of Congo, 19th century. Songye power figures, such as this from the Lim-Strutt collection, are used to fight witchcraft and sorcery. Their function is socially benign - they protect, heal, and counteract evil. The power of the figure resides not in its sculptural form or aesthetics, but in the magical substances embedded in cavities formed in the abdomen, or in the horn that projects from the head. The power of these figures May also be embellished with the addition of metals. Here the figure stands above an iron ring which, in addition to preventing encroachment by rodents, May also offer additional spiritual protective powers. Objects including small figures, beads, and a reptile skin pouch have been added to augment the figure's power and visual impact over time, as have substances that have altered its patina., ritual specialists create two general types of power figure - small ones for an individual or family for household use, and larger more powerful ones used for the community at large. This figure is of the latter type, intended to be used publicly for the village.. The corrosion of the nails and studs adorning the face and body, the deterioration of the skin attached to the back of the head, the deep partially-encrusted patina, and the mellowness and yellowing of the bone embedded in the abdomen all testify to the considerable age of the figure. Height 86.5 cm, width 22 cm, depth 25 cm. Provenance: Lim-Strutt collection, Aotearoa
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified