A Superb Songye Male Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

rising from a domed base, the male figure standing on parted legs with arched feet, hands resting on the abdomen, framing a magical charge inserted into the navel, the angular head with pointed chin, open mouth showing teeth and two cuspids of a dog (canis familiaris) inserted into the corners of the mouth, the diamond-shaped nose bisecting large drooping eyes beneath a domed forehead, wearing an elaborate coiffure with angular hairline, on top a deep hole originally for the insertion of a magical charge; exceptionally fine varied dark brown patina with encrustation, partially resinous, and with traces of metal oxidation around the wrists and ankles.

Peter Loebarth, Hameln
Fred Jahn, Munich

Iowa City, The University of Iowa Museum of Art, Kilengi: African Art from the Bareiss Family Collection, March 27 - May 23, 1999 (for additional venues see bibliography, Roy 1997)

Christopher D. Roy, Kilengi: African Art from the Bareiss Family Collection, Seattle, 1997, pp. 193 and 366, fig. 113
--, Kilengi. Afrikanische Kunst aus der Sammlung Bareiss, Hanover, 1997, pp. 197 and 370, fig. 113
François Neyt, Songye: La redoubtable statuaire Songye d'Afrique Centrale, Anvers, 2004, p. 75, fig. 37

very condition overall; age cracks on reverse of base, back following the spine, and left backside of head, hairline crack through left side of abdomen, edge of base chipped, a series of small holes on jaw and forehead for insertion, possibly metal pegs; exceptionally fine varied dark brown patina with encrustation, partially resinous, and with traces of metal oxidation around wrists and ankles.
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.

This superb figure belongs to the same workshop as the previous; for further information see lot 171.

Roy (1997: 366, fig. 113) notes: "This piece is of course most remarkable for the placement of the feline [in fact: canine] fangs at the corners of the mouth, giving the small object an aspect of malevolence far out of proportion to its size. The brilliant carving of the hands, legs and feet, with the shins and thighs defined by broad planes, and the shape of the flattened shoulders reflected in that of the enormous hands, is ample evidence that the artist was a master of great self-confidence. Its small size indicates that this figure was clearly a personal nkishi, to be carried by the owner, placed on a shrine or in a basket that contained other powerful objects. It is important to remember that the menacing character of such objects was directed outward, at anyone who threatened the owner, who in turn considered the magical power it contained to be bwanga, a positive force meant to restore health, peace, fertility, and a fruitful yield of game and crops (Hersak 1985: 118)."