Lot 76
  • 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.