Standing male ancestor figure "nkisi" ·  D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3036541

Description

wood, dark brown patina, loincloth of fine plaited strings of raffia bast arranged in two layers, metal applications and tags on the face, animal horn in the parting, small deepenings in belly and back, dam., missing parts (the left leg completely missing, the right leg severely damaged), traces of insect caused damage, base;
the localization of Songe statues is very difficult, because of various reasons (free circuculation, destruction of cult objects, substyles).
Because of its big size present figure should have once belonged to a village or a community. These sculptures are created above all to promote fecundity and fertility or to insure tranquility in the village. Most frequently they bear the names “ya ntambwe” (lion) or “ya nkima” (monkey). Often these are the priestesses entrusted with their care and their appearances, particularly during the ceremonies of the new moon (the moon is regarded as the fecund principle). Rising above the statue, the horn is one of the most important elements of the whole. It symbolizes power, fertility and fecundity.