Songye Nkishi protective figure, DRC - Lot 120

Songye Nkishi protective figure, DRC Carved from dense wood, this bust-shaped African figure adopts the physiognomy of the africainkifwebe mask from the Bwadi ka bifwebe society. The protective bishimba magic charge is absent. Glossy patina, cracks 18 x 7 cm The Songye fetish, a Nkisi magic sculpture, nkishi (pl. mankishi ), acts as a mediator between gods and men. Larger specimens are the collective property of an entire village, while more modest figures are reserved for individual or family use. In the 16th century, the Songyes migrated from the Shaba region to settle in Kasai, Katanga and South Kivu. Their society is organized along patriarchal lines. 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. Litt. Le Sensible et la Force" ed. Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale