Description:

Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Songye peoples, ca. mid-20th century CE. A striking and imposing figure of a standing female with elongated neck, hand-carved from wood. A wooden imitation-horn with some animal hairs placed inside of it juts from the top of the head. The neck is elongated, the face abstract, with a squat body whose shape suggests pregnancy. Size: 7.75" W x 35" H (19.7 cm x 88.9 cm)

Songye "power figures", known as nkishi, are made to protect a community and mediate between humans and spirits to cure ailments. Ones that are used in ceremonies have real horns protruding from the center of the head and often also have brass applied to the face; they are kept in a sanctuary under the care of a guardian when not in use.

Provenance: Ex-Alan Davis collection, Santa Fe, NM; acquired via trade with Throckmorton Fine Art ca. 2000.

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#121397

  • Condition: Small loss to left-side of neck; expected age wear and a smooth patina.

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April 12, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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