Songye Power Figure, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Richard V. Clarke, New York
By descent to the present owner

Very good condition for an object of this age and type, with well-preserved remains of original attachments.Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, cracks, and small chips and losses throughout consistent with age and use. Fine dark reddish-brown patina, seething ritually-applied oil. Some losses to metal attachments. Fibers and hides are frayed and fragile.
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 the creation process of their sacred power statuary, the Songye regarded the wood figural sculpture as merely a shell, activated to full potency only by the addition of bishimba, the “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, while others have an unseen symbolic meaning. 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.  Such complete figures are quite rare within the corpus of extant Songye statuary, as most were stripped of their external attachments when they entered Western collections.