African art > Used objects, pulleys, boxes, loom, awale > Songye sword

Songye sword (N° 23158)

The sword has a hilt with a janiform motif with symbolic reference, a miniature replica of the kifwebe mask, but whose function is also protective. It is indeed an object of nkishi power, provided with a ritual charge inserted at the top. This prestigious sword-emblem has its scabbard with meticulously braided contours. Smooth gray beige patina, slight desication crack.
In the 16th century, the Songyes migrated from the Shaba region to settle on the left bank of the Lualaba. Their society is organized in a patriarchal way. Their history is inseparable from that of the Luba to which 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 plagues that struck individuals. (ref.: Treasures of Africa, Museum of Tervuren, ed. De Vries-Brouwers; "Art and life in Africa" ​​C.De Roy; "Le Sensible et la Force" ed. Royal Museum for Central Africa)  

Sold 


This item is sold with its certificate of authenticity

Estimated shipping cost





OriginCollection Patrick Malisse
EthnySongye
Countryrdc ex zaire
Material(s)wood, metal, textile et cauris
Height cm64
Width8 cm
Weight0.55 Kg
Estimated datingcirca 1960
Socle inclusOptional

You could also be interested by these items

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

23161

Previously viewed items
African art - Songye sword
African art  - 

© 2024 - Digital Consult SPRL

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