WOODEN PROTECTION STATUE - SONGYE - CONGO

 

The Songye, always known as fierce warriors habitat the Congo region. The Songye created a sculptural style of intense dynamism and vitality. The works of Songye craftsmen are often used within the secret societies during various ceremonies. They produced a large number of figures belonging to the fetishist, who manipulates them during the rituals of the full moon. Songye fetish figures vary in size from 4” to 60”. They are usually male and stand on a circular base. Strips of metal, nails or other paraphernalia are sometimes applied over the face, which counteract evil spirits and aggressors and channel lightings against them. The top of the head and the abdomen are usually hollowed to allow insertion of fetish material, called boanga. These figures adopt a hieratic posture, the hands placed on a pointed abdomen; on top of the head they have a horn or feathers reinforcing a disquieting appearance. The fetishist would make the boanga with magic ingredients, which he crumbled and mixed, thus obtaining a paste that was kept in an antelope horn hung from the roof of the house. The magic ingredients consist of a wide variety of animal, vegetal, mineral and human substances that activate and bring into play benevolent ancestral spirits.

This protection figure is kept in houses.

Condition: fair with wear and tear. Some pieces missing, cracks.

Please have a good look at the pictures as they are part of the description.

Mid 20th century This item may be subject to import tax, which is the responsibility of the buyer.

Height 24cm

Width 8cm

Depth 10cm

Please contact us to know the shipping cost to your country.