Songye Nkisi fetish statuette, DRC ex Zaire - Lot 65

Songye Nkisi fetish statuette, DRC ex Zaire Small, finely-detailed Songye sculpture, devoid of accessories such as the summit horn in which magical ingredients were housed. The abdominal cup is also empty. Satin chocolate patina 22 x 7 cm The Songye came from the Shaba region of the DRC, and settled along the Lualaba River in the midst of savannah and forest. They live in a patriarchal society. Their history is inseparable from that of the Luba, to whom they are related through common ancestors. Divination was very much a part of their society, enabling them to discover sorcerers and shed light on the causes of misfortunes that befell individuals. They are governed by the yakitengé and by local chiefs. The secret Bwami society, however, counterbalances their power. Their male masks, with their occult powers, were displayed during punitive and disciplinary expeditions. The Nkisi acts as a mediator between gods and men. Larger specimens are the collective property of an entire village, while smaller figures belong to an individual or a family.