Female Songye figure, DRC Rare African feminine... Lot 4

Female Songye figure, DRC Rare African feminine Songye fetish statue, with protective purpose. The arms are classically positioned around a protruding abdomen. The particularity of these fascinating tribal figures lies mostly in the angular treatment of the form, the imposing triangular face that sometimes echoes the features of the African kifwebe mask, the rictus formed by the mouth, and the forward-positioned attitude of the bulging belly. Glossy patina, abrasions and cracks.48 x 11 cm These protective household fetishes are among the most prized in Africa. The Nkisi acts as a mediator between god and man, protecting against various evils. Larger examples are the collective property of an entire village, while smaller figures belong to an individual or a family. In the 16th century, the Songyes migrated from the Shaba region to settle on the left bank of the Lualaba. Their society is organized along patriarchal lines. Their history is inseparable from that of the Luba, to whom they are related through common ancestors. Divination was very much a part of their society, enabling them to discover sorcerers and shed light on the causes of plagues that struck individuals (ref: Trésors d'Afrique, Musée de Tervuren, ed. De Vries-Brouwers; "Art and life in Africa" C.De Roy; "Le Sensible et la Force" ed. Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale).