Figure, "nkisi"
Songye, DR Congo
Mit Sockel / with base
Wood, glass beads, horn, cowrie shell. H 28.5 cm.
Provenance:
- Imelda and Paul Berger-Frei, Riehen.
- Berger-Frei community of heirs, Basel.
The magical figures called "minkisi" (singular "nkisi") granted protection against illness, infertility and other misfortunes and could also provide help in unsolved crimes, for example. They were able to do this thanks to their concentrated powers, which they stored in the form of all kinds of magical substances. These powers could be released during ritual ceremonies and meetings and harnessed for their owners.
In contrast to the large representations, which were at the service of an entire community and used their magical powers for numerous people and families, the smaller versions of this type of figurine had a private character and were owned by individuals or a household.
Further reading:
Neyt, François (2004). La redoutable statuaire Songye d'Afrique Centrale. Brussels: Fonds Mercator.
CHF 2 000 / 4 000
Weight in grams: 476
Condition:
The condition (possible wear, signs of use, tears, possible other impairments and the signs of age etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation.
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