Small power half-figure "nkisi" ·  R. D. Congo, Songye · ID: 3035259

Description

wood, reddish brown patina with blackish paint, cowrie snail eyes fixed by metal tags, three-rowed necklace of small metal discs thread on plant fibre, fabric loincloth fixed by leather straps, animal horn in the parting, characteristic posture and facial features, slightly dam., minor missing parts (left side of the head), hairline cracks, plate;
the multiple chiefdoms forming the Songe cultural complex are particularly known for their variety and abundance of magical figures (“mankisi”; sing. “nkisi”) which are used to alleviate a host of personal and communal problems. The external attachments to magical figures are intended to augment the visual impact of the “nkisi”. The horn set into the cranium symbolizes power, fertility and abundance.