Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Songye, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A striking wood nkisi (mankishi) fetish carving of a nude woman adorned with an animal skin at the waist. Smaller personal nkisi figures were used in private homes, while larger communal mankishi fetishes oversaw the entire village, both empowered by Songye diviners. These figures are believed to channel prayers to ancestral spirits and were used to invoke fertility, protection, heal the sick, resolve disputes, and mark important occasions. This figure shows signs of use and a thick patina encrusted in the crevices, as such figures were activated by a priest or holy person who would rub magical substances like oil, clay, or animal fat into the wood. Size: 2.3" L x 2.25" W x 7.5" H (5.8 cm x 5.7 cm x 19 cm)

Exhibited in January 8th to March 9th 2018 at University of Central Missouri & McClure Archives "Sacred The Ritual Arts of Africa."

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex- Masquerade Exhibition, Warrensburg, Missouri, USA

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#190272

  • Condition: Fine condition with some minor old chips and abrasions. Patina from oils and use embedded on the surface.

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