Power Figure – Wood. Horn, Copper – Songye – Congo

Description

Powerfull Songyer figure from DR Congo. Enormous wooden ancestor figure of the SONGYE tribe from D.R. Congo. Total length: 104 cm, total weight 14.5 kg!
It served to protect the family against diseases, accidents, bad spirits and bewitchment.

The Songye made power figures, Nkisi (singular) and Mankishi (plural), to combat witchcraft and sorcery. They were benign and were believed to bring good, promote fertility and success, vanquish enemies and protect from evil. Large ones were owned by and served the community; small ones were for individual families.

Adorned with additional objects, Bajimba, with magical properties (horns, skins, teeth, hair, feathers, beads, tacks, cloth, etc.), they gained their power not from the carver but from the Nganga, or spiritual leader. Their carving was considered secondary to their power. Often too powerful to touch, they were moved with long sticks. Although protective, these are confrontational objects, with a warrior’s attitude.Good condition with a beautiful aged patina.

Provenance: former private Italian collection.

Object:

Power Figure

Ethnic group:

Songye

Country:

DR Congo

Material:

Wood, Horn, Copper

Period:

Mid 20th century

Sold with stand:

No

Dimensions:

104x23x22 cm

Weight:

14.5 kg

Condition:

Good condition, used with some signs of wear

Reserve: $1,500.00

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $195.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.

International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT.

Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Location: This item ships from Netherlands

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

Buyer's Premium

20%

Power Figure – Wood. Horn, Copper – Songye – Congo

Lot 0004

Estimate $2,000-$2,500May 20, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT

Starting Price

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