Nkishi

Songye
D.R. of the Congo
Late 19th century
Wood
Height:12,5 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, Belgium
Publication:
Montagut Gallery. Mankishi. January 2023.

Songye statues are numerous and vary in size. Generally male, they stand on a circular base, have an elongated torso and hands resting on the abdomen. Accessories are sometimes applied to fight against evil and aggressive forces. In addition, the top of the head and the belly are often hollowed out to hold magical substances called bishimba. Smaller fetishes were reserved for individual use and protected against illness and death.

Object Presented by:
Guilhem Montagut
T.: + 34 931 414 319