- 146
Songye Female Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- wood, fiber, domestic goat horns, feathers, lizard skin
- Height: 18 in (45.7 cm)
Provenance
Lucien Van de Velde, Antwerp
Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels
Didier Claes, Brussels, acquired from the above
Michael Oliver, New York, acquired from the above
Private American Collection, acquired from the above
Michael Oliver, New York, acquired from the above
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired from the above on May 1, 2012
Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels
Didier Claes, Brussels, acquired from the above
Michael Oliver, New York, acquired from the above
Private American Collection, acquired from the above
Michael Oliver, New York, acquired from the above
Myron Kunin, Minneapolis, acquired from the above on May 1, 2012
Exhibited
Tour et Taxis, Brussels, 50e Foire des Antiquaires de Belgique, January 21 - 30, 2005
Literature
Didier Claes, 50e Foire des Antiquares de Belgique, Brussels, 2005, p. 268
Condition
Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, small chips, and wear consistent with age and use. Old chips to edge of chin, patinated over. Cavity from a knot in the wood at back proper left side of neck. Exceptionally fine aged, rubbed patina, seething ritually-applied oil from the head and upper body. Some losses to feathers. Fine aged surface to attachments, encrusted and retaining original ritually-inserted charge material. Permanently fixed to modern wood base.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The Songye regarded the wood figural sculpture as merely a shell, activated to full power only by the addition of bishimba, the sacred “medicine” composed of animal, plant, and mineral substances chosen for their magical properties. These additions could be incorporated as external accessories, packed into cavities or channels in the figures themselves, or bundled into attached pouches or containers. Some materials are readily recognizable and have direct associations with powerful attributes in the natural world: the feathers of a bird of prey, the scaled skin of a reptile, or the horns of a large mammal. Others have an unseen symbolic meaning, such as earth from the footprint of an elephant or material from a tree which has been struck by lightning. The forces harnessed by bishimba could be directed maliciously against one’s enemies, or towards a desirable positive outcome.
The present figure is in an exceptional state of preservation. Most Songye figures which survive were stripped of their external attachments when they entered European collections. With elements of natural bird, mammal, and reptile material, as well as packed bishimba charges, the Kunin female Songye is one of only a small number of complete nkisi extant, and retains its original sacred magical power.