African art > The fetish, this emblematic object of primitive art > Songye fetish

Songye fetish (N° 22812)

An imposing masked face of the kifwebe of the Bwadi ka bifwebe society wears a headdress devoid of its horn. Metal elements and a skin belt usually containing a ritual charge make up accessories with a symbolic connotation.

Slightly grainy oiled patina, erosions and cracks.

The fetish Songye, magic sculpture Nkisi, nkishi (pl. mankishi), plays the role of mediator between gods and men. The large specimens are the collective property of an entire village, the reduced figures belong to an individual or a family. In the 16th century, the Songyes migrated from the Shaba region to settle in Kasai, Katanga and South Kivu. Their society is organized in a patriarchal way. Their history is inseparable from that of the Luba, to whom they are related through common ancestors. Very present in their society, divination made it possible to discover sorcerers and to shed light on the causes of the misfortunes that struck individuals.
Lit. : "The Sensible and the Force" ed. Royal Museum for Central Africa  

Sold 


This item is sold with its certificate of authenticity

Estimated shipping cost





OriginCollection belge
EthnySongye
Countryrdc ex zaire
Material(s)wood, metal, cuir
Height cm52
Width14 cm
Weight3.00 Kg

You could also be interested by these items
Fétiche SongyeStatue KifwebeStatue SongyeFétiche SongyeStatue Songye

You must login to access these options
   Warn me if a similar item is added to the catalog
   Warn me if the price decreases
Manage my alerts


You have question on this item ? contact us


Previously viewed items
African art  - 

© 2023 - Digital Consult SPRL

Essentiel Galerie SPRL
73A Rue de Tournai - 7333 Tertre - Belgique
+32 (0)65.529.100
visa Master CardPaypal