A Rare Songye Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

the anthropomorphic figure wearing a fiber skirt, with domestic chicken feathers (gallus gallus) and animal skin attached, the hands resting on the abdomen and surmounted by a slightly left-turned head, the face with stylized beard, open mouth, double rimmed eyes below two rows of herringbone eyebrows, and brass tacs attached to the right side of the head, abdomen and between the shoulder blades, the whole surmounted by a bush buck antelope horn (tragelaphus scriptus) with feathers attached; exceptionally thick layered varied brown patina with strong oxidation to the metal parts.

James M. Silberman, Washington D.C., acquired in Kinshasa, mid 1960s

very good condition of wood sculpture, stable condition of attachments; minor chip on nose, some losses to crusty patina on top of head; fiber and feathers fragile, some of the metal parts heavily oxidized; exceptionally layered thick varied brown patina with strong oxidation to metal parts.
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.

The rare style of the present lot testifies to the influence of Songye culture on neighboring peoples such as Luba, Kanyok, Lulua and others. See Neyt (2004: 318-320) for futher discussion. The figure from the Silberman Collection can be attributed to a Luba-Kasai workshop. It combines Songye iconography with Luba and Lulua stylistic elements such as the coiffure which terminates in a circular bonnet and the double herringbone eyebrows. For a related figure see Neyt (loc. cit.: 115, fig. 80).