- 76
Songye Community Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
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Description
- wood, metal
- Height: 24 1/2 in (62.2 cm)
Provenance
Allan Stone, New York
Catalogue Note
The massive, cube-shaped body of this weathered figure contrasts distinctly with the delicate rings of the neck and the finely-carved detail of the face. A lattice of metal overlay with repousse border decorates the face, and the figure wears a necklace of metal wire and the blade of a hoe or small shovel; metal attachments of this kind refer to the powers of the blacksmith and are called bishihi among the Songye. The focal point of the torso is a cavity at the umbelicus for the insertion of magic materials, bishimba.