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A Songye power figure, Democratic Republic of Congo. The size…
Lot No.
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Description:
A Songye power figure, Democratic Republic of Congo. The size of this Nikisi figure suggests that this was a community power figure. This Songye figure would have been used to protect an entire village from illness, death, and harmful spirits, and was so powerful it would have been housed in its own hut within the village. The crafting of these power figures was made in partnership between a carver a nganga spiritual practitioner. The Nikisi has many of the form-features of Songye carvings, such a square jaw, almond shaped eyes, hands resting on a large stomach, and a horn atop its head. Brass sheets are nailed along the lines of the figure's face as metal has protective qualities to the Songye. This figure has strings of multi-coloured beads around its neck, plant fibre bracelets around its wrists, and a metal bell at the left wrist. Figure height 100 cm, width 19 cm, depth 25 cm, on stand height 105 cm. Provenance: Lim-Strutt collection, Aotearoa
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified