Nkishistatue (Songye).
Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Wood, oily patina, fibres, height: 52 cm.
S. & J. Calmeyn Collection.
The tall Songye statues had functions of collective protection.
They were given the name of someone important - chief,
warrior, hunter, or blacksmith - whose power they evoked. Each
had a particular function (procreation, protection against
disease, fight against witchcraft, help for hunting, or war). In
addition to their magical powers, they had the traces of sacrifices
on their bodies as well as vegetable oils which were often used
to coat them.