African Arts Gallery

Italian African art collection. br>Extreme simplification for a powerful impact: this Songola mask is made up of planes whose edges run to a triangular mouth, pierced obliquely, evoking a muzzle. Reduced to the essentials, the orifices of the eyes stand out against the thick kaolin.
Mixed by alliance with the Lega, Ngengele and Zimba, the Songola are governed by the elders of the lineages. They borrowed from the Luba and Songye, the Luhuna institution composed of dignitaries and that of the Bwami by their lega wives. The Songola live by hunting and fishing, they devote themselves to sculpture, although the objects associated with the Bwami cult come from the Lega. Among their reduced statuary, the figures of ancestors of the Nsubi society evoke those of the Mbole, other sculptures ...

Coated in contrasting hues, this African mask was intended for the highest ranks of the Nsubi society, the latter also initiating wives. This almost flat mask, where the forehead and the nasal bridge form a slight relief, borrows certain features from the Kumu and Mbole masks. The damaged nose bears a resinous aggregate.
Velvety matte patina.
Height on base: 46 cm.
Mingled by alliance with the Lega, Ngengele and Zimba, the Songola are governed by the elders of the lineages. They borrowed from the Luba and Songye the institution Luhuna composed of dignitaries and that of Bwami by their lega wives. The Songola live by hunting and fishing, they devote themselves to sculpture, although the objects associated with the Bwami cult come from the Lega. Among their reduced ...

Sculpture whose armless bust has been hollowed out to accommodate magic ingredients. Other accessories could complete her ritual ornaments, such as these metallic spirals. These statuettes embody a deceased ancestor of the Nsubi society. Some sculptures were reserved for high-ranking Songola Bwami.
Grainy patina. A damaged leg has been restored.


Mingled by alliance with the Lega, Ngengele and Zimba, the Songola are governed by the elders of the lineages. They borrowed from the Luba and Songye the institution Luhuna composed of dignitaries and that of Bwami by their lega wives. The Songola live by hunting and fishing, they devote themselves to sculpture, although the objects associated with the Bwami cult come from the Lega. Among their reduced ...

This rectangular, two-colored mask is an executioner's mask intended for the highest ranks of the Nsubi society, which also initiates wives. This mask borrows certain features from the Kumu and Mbole masks. Mixed by marriage with the Lega, Ngengele and Zimba, the Songola are governed by the elders of the lineages. They borrowed from the Luba and Songye the Luhuna institution composed of dignitaries and that of the Bwami by their lega wives. The Songola live by hunting and fishing, they engage in sculpture although the objects associated with the Bwami cult come from the Lega. Among their reduced statuary, the figures of ancestors of the Nsubi society evoke those of the Mbole, other sculptures were kept in baskets as among the Lega. Masks such as our example were used during Nsindi ...

African mask of rectangular shape, attributed to the executioner and intended for the highest ranking members of the Nsubi society, the latter also initiating the wives. This mask borrows some features from the Kumu and Mbole masks.

Height on base: 48 cm.
Mixed by marriage with the Lega, Ngengele and Zimba, the Songola are governed by the elders of the lineages. They borrowed from the Luba and Songye the Luhuna institution composed of dignitaries and that of the Bwami by their lega wives. The Songola live by hunting and fishing, they engage in sculpture although the objects associated with the Bwami cult come from the Lega. Among their reduced statuary, the figures of ancestors of the Nsubi society evoke those of the Mbole, other sculptures were kept in ...

Flat mask, pierced with circular and rectangular holes for the mouth incised with teeth. The superciliary arches, in relief, emphasize an exorbitant look. Cracked two-tone patina. Height on base: 55 cm. Mixed by marriage with the Lega, Ngengele and Zimba, the Songola are governed by the elders of the lineages. They borrowed from the Luba and Songye, the Luhuna institution composed of dignitaries and that of the Bwami by their lega wives. The Songola live by hunting and fishing, and they are involved in sculpture, although the objects associated with the Bwami cult come from the Lega. Among their reduced statuary, the figures of the ancestors of the Nsubi society are reminiscent of those of the Mbole, while other sculptures were kept in baskets as among the Lega. Masks such as our ...

Ex-German African art collection.
This African mask, was attributed to the executioner and intended for the highest ranks of the Nsubi society, consisting of four levels and open to wives. This mask borrows some features from the Kumu and Mbole masks.
Shaded crusty patina.
Mixed by marriage with the Lega, Ngengele and Zimba, the Songola are governed by the elders of the lineages. They borrowed from the Luba and Songye the Luhuna institution composed of dignitaries and that of the Bwami by their lega wives. The Songola live by hunting and fishing, they engage in sculpture although the objects associated with the Bwami cult come from the Lega. Among their reduced statuary, the figures of ancestors of the Nsubi society evoke those of the Mbole, other sculptures were ...

Rectangular, shallow, this "executioner" mask borrows certain traits from the Kumu masks and Mbole. It was used by the highest ranking members of the Nsubi.
Satin patina, losses and abrasions.
Mingled by alliance with the Lega, Ngengele and Zimba, the Songola are governed by the elders of the lineages. They borrowed from the Luba and Songye the institution Luhuna composed of dignitaries and that of Bwami by their lega wives. The Songola live by hunting and fishing, they devote themselves to sculpture, although the objects associated with the Bwami cult come from the Lega. Among their reduced statuary, the figures of ancestors of the Nsubi society evoke those of the Mbole, other sculptures were kept in baskets as among the Lega. Some of their masks were used during Nsindi ...

Ex-collection of Belgian African art.
This African mask of the Songola combines various stylistic indicators of the neighboring tribes, including the eyebrow arcades in the heart of the Lega and the quadrangular, toothed mouth of the Kumu. Kaolin residues can be seen on the surface. Golden light brown patina.
Mixed by alliance with the Lega, Ngengele and Zimba, the Songola are governed by the elders of the lineages. They borrowed from the Luba and Songye the Luhuna institution composed of dignitaries and that of the Bwami by their Lega wives. The Songola live from hunting and fishing, they are engaged in sculpture although the objects associated with the cult of Bwami come from the Lega. Among their reduced statuary, the figures of ancestors of the Nsubi society evoke ...

Flat surfaces and sharp angles for this Songola mask whose mouth forms a snout. Reduced to the essential, large circular holes make up the eyes. Thick kaolin patina. Mixed by marriage with the Lega, Ngengele and Zimba, the Songola are governed by the elders of the lineages. They have borrowed from the Luba and Songye, the Luhuna institution composed of dignitaries and that of the Bwami through their Lega wives. The Songola live by hunting and fishing, and they are involved in sculpture, although the objects associated with the Bwami cult come from the Lega. Among their reduced statuary, the figures of the ancestors of the Nsubi society are reminiscent of those of the Mbole, while other sculptures were kept in baskets as among the Lega. Masks such as our example were used during ...

Treated in angular planes next to curved volumes, this sculpture Nkisi, nkishi (pl. mankishi ) transmits a powerful expression of vigor. Oversized, long feet fit the semi-spherical base on which the figure stands, which is topped by a diadem topped by a horn, his chin extending into a beard. Smooth black patina, satin finish.
These protection fetishes for homes are among the most popular in Africa. The Nkisi plays the role of mediator between gods and men. The large specimens are the collective property of an entire village, while the smaller figures belong to an individual or a family. In the sixteenth century, the Songyes migrated from the Shaba region to settle on the left bank of the Lualaba River. Their society is organized in a patriarchal way. Their history is ...